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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Betty V.
I Have an adult son with autism, seizure disorders, mental retardation. bi polar and schizophrenia. he currently receives SSI. If I retire can I apply for SSD for him and is it more beneficial to get SSD other then SSI. I am a single parent and due to his illnesses may need to retire. I am 64. my e-mail address is velittlefella@yahoo.com.
A.C.
Hi, Betty. For information on benefits for a disabled adult child, please see our Disability Planner . If you have additional specific to your son, 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.
Joseph P.
I’m in need of the form that for when my child turns 18 but is still attending High School and will be able to continue her benefits
A.C.
Hi, Joseph. If you are referring to the Student Reporting Form, visit here. If you have additional questions, 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.
Marilena g.
My daughter died left a benefit to her only child from her pension with nycers transit authority. It says life long he is now getting social security. How will this other income affect his social security he is disabled.
L.A.
Hi Marilena. Unfortunately, but for your security, we do not have access to your grandson’s personal information on this forum. In your situation, it is best 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 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
john s.
I am 70 years old. I have a 13 year daughter and a 16 year old daughter. They both receive social security benefits from my social security account. Their money is not my money nor is it my income. Living in low-income housing requires that all household income be reported as income. Is it legal for me to report their benefits as my household income? My children use their benefits for school field trips ,music field trips,cheerleader uniforms and school supplies . My children buy their groceries cause their mother receives only $67.00 food stamps for the month! I ,their am my girls representative. I make sure my daughters benefits are used for their benefit. Please advise. I need rules and regulation laws on using children’s benefits. Thank you john soto
L.A.
Hi John. Thank you for your question. Your questions would be best answered by the state agency that is asking you for the information. Please contact them to get clarification about your question. We hope this helps.
Ruby C.
if my daughter signs over her custody to me can I claim the children on my social securtiy
A.C.
Hi, Ruby. Thanks for your question. Generally, the biological parents of the child must be deceased or disabled or the grandchild must be legally adopted by the grandparent. For more information, check out our publication, Benefits for Children. We hope this helps.
Karla P.
When does the benefit stop for a 19 yr old in 12th grade?
L.A.
Hi Karla. Thank you for your question. If the child is age 18, but still a full-time student at a secondary school (up to high school only), the benefits will continue until the child graduates or until two months after the child turns age 19, whichever is first. Generally, we send a form to verify the child’s school attendance. You can learn more about this on our publication titled Benefits For Children. If you are not sure whether or not you received the form, please 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, Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. We hope this helps.
Jimmy
Will the amount given to the child will be deducted from his parents benefits amount. Or is separate. Fro example is the father received 800. Will 400 dollars be deducted from his fathers 800 amount if the rules is half.
Bernardo A.
I’m filing a disability from social security and I’m wondering if I need to include my other son which I am paying child support from my employer.
Martha R.
Hi,
I’ve been trying to review my son’s SSI appeal status, and change physical address. But for some reason I can’t. Can you please tell me what web site to go to or what can I do.
Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Martha. Since your son’s Supplemental Security Income appeal is pending, you should contact your local office immediately to update your address. We hope this helps.
Maggie
My kids Dad passed away we never was not Married is there any Assistance for the kids He didn’t pay in Enough Money social security Benefits
A.C.
Hi, Maggie. We’re sorry to hear about your loss. When a person dies, his/her minor children may qualify for survivors’ benefits as long as they are under age 18 and unmarried and the parent earned enough credits. Also, if they are over 18 and disabled before age 22, they may qualify as well. You can find more information here on how children can qualify for survivors’ benefits when a parent dies. You can also visit here for more information about our survivors’ benefits. We hope this helps!