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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Bob
Is there a way to keep your kids from getting your social security? As in I commit suicide because I hate them and I want to make sure they get nothing? Its easy to empty the bank accounts and destroy posessions so child support can’t take anymore. But the damn SSA is the icing on the cake where they tell get to laugh at me for years.
dawne H.
my grandson’s father was killed a few months before he was born. SS Income was recently filed due to a long lawsuit dealing with paternity and Uber. he is now 24 months and Social security wont back pay to when he was born. is this true? she got her first check and afraid to cash it if she needs to appeal.
L.A.
Hi Dawne. We apologize, but for your security and your grandson’s security, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. If you were receiving Social Security benefits, we ask that you continue to work with your local office on specific questions about your case. You can find the address and phone number of your local Social Security office here. You can also call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00am and 7:00pm. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. We hope this helps.
Trent
My daughter was born in Canada. I just got her citizenship and US Visa. What do I need to do to get her US SSN?
L.A.
Thanks for your question, Trent. If your child was born outside the United States, you need to present your child’s foreign birth certificate (if you have one or can get a copy within 10 business days). If you can’t get it, we may be able to accept your child’s Certificate of Birth Abroad (FS-545), Certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350), Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), Certificate of Naturalization, or Passport. More information on what documents you may need to present can be found here. We hope this helps.
Sandra s.
Two children and ex wife draw survivor social security. she goes to work. Do her children then receive her spsyment? then older son turns 18. does younger son receive older son’s payment? share?
RENE D.
I have a question about child benefits. I have a nine-year-old step-son who I’m told qualified for child benefits at the same time I was approved for SSDI in April of 2018. But back then I wasn’t aware of the child benefits program. I have an appointment in a few weeks to apply for benefits for him. The representative at my local ss office says that he will be approved based on the fact that I pay for 100% of his living and I’ve been married to his mom for over two years now. The question is this: Will we be entitled to back pay benefits going back to when I was approved for SSDI in April of 2018? My family maximum is $3096 and my monthly benefit is $1844. Based on what I’ve read it seems like he should get $922 per month but I’m not finding an answer on the back pay question. Thanks!
A.C.
Hi, Rene. For your 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. We hope this helps.
Sue H.
Question – Can a minor child draw SS from his dead biological father if that child has been adopted out?
Mary H.
Can I open an online account for my grandchild that I am the the receiver of benefits, in order to get a letter of benefits?
Thank you
Travis B.
If I received SSI once before is there anyway I can reapply and how can I if possible
dan c.
Can a disabled minor child receive both disability SSI payments as well as the survivor benefit when both parents are deceased
A.C.
Hi, Dan. Thanks for your question. Yes, if the child has low income and limited resources, the child may be able to receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and survivors benefits. For more information, check out our publication, Benefits for Children with Disabilities. We hope this helps.
Fran
My boyfriend’s daughter receives death benefits as she lost her mother. His daughter is 16 and is pregnant and due in September we keep being told she will lose her benefits and we are wondering if that is true. She is still in school.
A.C.
Hi, Fran. Thanks for your comment. Pregnancy will not terminate her benefits. Unmarried children who are under 18 (up to age 19 if attending elementary or secondary school full time) can be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. For more information, check out our publication, Benefits for Children. For specific questions about benefits, your boyfriend can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, he will have a shorter wait if he calls later in the day. He can also contact his local Social Security office. We hope this helps.