Social Security’s Benefits for Children
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 17, 2021
Social Security is with you through life’s journey — from birth, to death, and even beyond, by helping to care for surviving dependents. Every year, about 4.4 million children receive monthly benefits because one or both of their parents are disabled, retired, or deceased. When a parent becomes disabled or dies, Social Security benefits help to stabilize the family’s financial situation in an otherwise turbulent time.
Earlier this year, National Birth Defects Prevention Month in January and National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March both raised awareness about medical conditions in children. Many families with children who have birth defects or developmental disabilities need medical and financial help. This is where Social Security’s commitment to helping children and families is most evident.
Social Security pays benefits through our disability insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Our disability program provides vital income for disabled children, including people disabled since childhood. To qualify for children’s benefits under our disability program, the applicant must be the child of a parent entitled to benefits and meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. A person is disabled under the Social Security Act if he or she can’t work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year or result in death.
The SSI program provides payments to blind or disabled children who live in households with low income and limited resources if they meet our strict definition of disability. You can find more information on eligibility requirements by visiting our website.
Our publication, Benefits for Children explains all we do to care for children. Our website is also an excellent source of information. If you think a child you know is eligible for benefits, don’t wait. Share this information and help improve the child’s quality of life today.
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Tags: retirement, Social Security benefits, SSI, supplemental security income
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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JERRY S.
I have just learned that my 18-year-old daughter is still eligible for benefits because she is still in high school. Please verify. What should I do next?
Linda K.
can a child still receive benefits when in college
A.C.
Hi, Linda. Thanks for your question. Normally, benefits for children stop when children reach age 18, unless they are disabled. However, if the child is still a full-time student at a secondary (or elementary) school at age 18, Social Security benefits can continue until the child graduates or until two months after the child becomes age 19, whichever is first. For more information about children’s benefits, check out our publication, here. We hope this helps.
April M.
I am a single mom of two children. i have been disabled since June 2014. My children haven’t received a dime. i have struggled year after year month after month. i meet all requirements i don’t understand.. someone please explain.
A.C.
Hi, April. We are sorry to hear about your condition and situation. Social Security pays disability benefits to people if they have a medical condition that has prevented them from working or is expected to prevent them from working for at least 12 months. We use the same five-step process to make a decision on each application. You may also find our listing of impairments useful.
If you disagree with the decision, you can file an appeal. There are four levels in the appeals process. A reconsideration is the first level. Typically, the length of time it takes to receive a decision on a reconsideration is about 60 days but the amount of time could vary from case-to-case. We reevaluate all evidence, plus any additional evidence submitted and make a new decision. If you disagree with the reconsidered decision, they can choose to go to the next level of the appeals process. We hope this helps.
Jason k.
I was wondering if I still qualify for survivor benefits from when my father died in 1980 and I was born in 1976 up until I turned 18 being my mom didn’t get them and I am still entitled to them I believe. My name is Jason Krause 01/12/1976 and his name is on my birth certificate Kevin Alfred carr .. my number is 6122744270 .email is jkrause201741@gmail.com if u have any advice please feel free to contact me
James P.
Is a dependent child of a grandparent with guardianship entitled to survivor benefits?
A.C.
Hi, James. Thanks for your question. Under current law, Social Security can only pay benefits to grandchildren if certain conditions are met. In addition to providing for more than 50% of their support, the biological parents of the children must be deceased or disabled, or you must have legally adopted them. See our Parents and Guardians web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Keithphanna E.
Wanted to know how long I had them in Milwaukee wi.
How long they been in school .
Records stated they in my custody.
Proof of medical n dental records.
David A.
What from do I need to apply for extended benefits for my son who is 18 and still in high school
L.A.
Hi David. Thanks for your question. If your son is age 18, but still a full-time student in high school, his benefits will continue until he graduates or until two months after he turns age 19, whichever is first. Generally, we send a form to verify his school attendance. You may need to contact your local Social Security office. Or, you can call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to speak with one of our representatives, who are available Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Hope this helps.
Cindy K.
I just qualified for SSID benefits. What application do I need to complete to receive benefits for my children?
Jami W.
Hi my name is Jami Wagaman, Why haven’t I heard about this program? My son is autistic and has Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Also he has ADHD. I have worked with Aware and Therapy Connections in Billings. Can I get benefits for my son? My email is montanamamarocks@gmail.com. Please get back to me as soon as possible.
A.C.
Hi, Jami. For your son’s security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
sulpicia p.
my son passed away last 2017. He still had a minor child. do you he is entitled to some kind of benefit?
My email address spiansay17@yahoo.com
A.C.
Hi, Sulpicia. We are sorry to hear about your loss. You can find more information on how children can qualify for survivors benefits when a parent dies by checking out our publication, Benefits for Children. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.