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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Lynda B.
I am on SS and I receive SS for my minor child. What documents should I keep to show how I support her and pay all her bills? How many years do I have to keep these documents? Thank youl
L.A.
Hi Lynda. We have good news! As the Representative Payee of your child, you are no longer required to complete an annual financial Representative Payee Report. However, there are other things you are still responsible for reporting. You can read more about Representative Payee responsibilities here. If you have specific questions, or need further assistance, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. We hope this helps.
Chris n.
If you would’ve adopted a child and their biological parent dies are they eligible for SSI and if the adoptive parent retires is that child eligible for SSI
Sani p.
Y my daughter didn’t get her share of auxiliary benefits till today
A.C.
Hi, Sani. 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.
Rebecca m.
Hi I have a child that has a IEP and behavior problems and I am in serious help with services .and how to get as for my child or how it works if someone can get back to me that would be great
Brianna S.
Hi, my name is Brianna Still. I am 17 years old. I’ve been receiving a ssc check from my disabled dad, since I was 12 years old. My grandmother, aslo my guardian is the payee of my check. My check balance is $601 every month, & all she gives me $200. I moved out of her house close to 7 months ago. I aslo have a 3 week old daughter and I would like to start receiving my own benefits to get a car and a low income apartment.
So, how would I go about receiving my own benefits?
L.A.
Hi Brianna. Thanks for your question. It sounds like you are asking about a representative payee. You can find more information on representative payees here. We hope this helps.
Christine B.
When is the backpay of child monthly benefits will be received after it approved from ssa?
James
We don’t receive any benefits now for my daughter who is disable since birth. She will be turning 18 in a few months, and we’re told she should qualify for benefits. What is the timeline to start her into the system? Been told many different things from other sources.
Kathy K.
My grandson has been in my care since his motheer passed away, he has turned 18 and his benefits syopped. I received a letter stating to send back any money saved. What am I supposed to do if no funds were left from his checks?
A.C.
Hi, Kathy. We are required to ask for any saved funds to be returned. If there are none, there is no further action to take. If you have any further 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.
Joe H.
When parents divorce and the step father adopts (the childrens last name changed) can children collect social security benefits if the biological fahter has deceased.
SS, please send me a answer through my email address below.
Linda
Well in Wisconsin people get it that shouldnt. And the one that really need it dont it is a shame people worken their buns off and some just mooching off the system. I work my but off arms bearly work anymore at 56 years old. Young girl I see no problems with raises kid and going to school for no reasons just nothing to do. I have a cousin mentally challenged she has to work. I dont get this system. Wisconsin should check into his one person I heard did to many Drugs and their handed SSI really why? It’s their problem they wrecked their brain, my arms dont work due to hard work and they dont function to make a decent wage any more so I have to live in poverty. WRONG SO WRONG