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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Gary
We are the foster parents for 2 grandkids, girls one 11 and the other 15. We are in the process of maybe doing Permanent Guardianship and was wondering if those girls would qualify for any SSI until they reach 18 years old. I am currently on Social Security and am now 78 years old and my wife is 72. We are on a tight income and are hoping to get some income for them.
A.C.
Hi, Gary. If you are referring to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, we make a determination on each individual case. Only children who are disabled may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. You can find more information on the SSI program and how to apply here. In order to qualify for family benefits, generally, the biological parents of the child must be deceased or disabled or the grandchildren must be legally adopted by the grandparent. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Jamica L.
Hi my name is Jamica moore my account says entitled to dependent of wage earner what does this mean
Jennifer S.
What is the process to get a Social Security Card for my Teenager.
A.C.
Hi, Jennifer. Thanks for your question. Generally, when applying for a replacement Social Security card for a child under the age of 18, we consider the parent(s) or step-parent with custody, as the proper applicant. Remember that knowing your child’s number is what is important. You will rarely need to show their card, but if you need information on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. You will need to present documents proving your identity, your child’s identity and citizenship status (if not already established), and evidence of your relationship to, or responsibility for, your child. Also keep in mind the submitted documents must be originals. You can use birth certificates to prove your child’s age or citizenship. But you cannot use it as proof of identity. We hope this helps.
Courtney L.
The social security office will not even let me apply because they said the deceased parent of my child did not have enough credits or coins. I do not believe them and want to apply anyways, so I know for sure they are telling me correctly. What can I do to apply for benefits for my surviving child?
A.C.
Hi, Courtney. Thanks for your question. To receive a formal decision, you can schedule an appointment with your local office by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We hope this helps.
Debra L.
What paper work do I need to bring to an appointment to sign up for benefits of a surviving child?
L.A.
Hi Debra. Thank you for your question. You can find more information on how children can qualify for survivors benefits when a parent dies here. You may also call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may also contact the local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Tammy W.
Hi my son turned 18 on August 15. I took the forms to his High school to verify that was in fact enrolled in school and will Graduate May 2020. Your representative said they did not received this form. They were supposed to mail another copy; however, I never received it. We have not received survivor benefits since September. I have never had this issue with my 3 other children when they turned 18.
A.C.
Hi, Tammy. We are sorry to hear about your son’s situation. For his 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. He 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.
gladys a.
my children’s father is deceased and he was getting social security benefits I need information on how to apply for my children
William
If you have a baby out wedlock and the baby doesn’t have your last name is the baby entitled to your ssd benefits?
A.C.
Hi, William. When an individual qualifies for Social Security disability benefits, the individual’s children may also qualify to receive benefits on their record. For 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.
Megan
My father has been deceased sense 2018 and the funeral director did not report him to SSA. I recently found out that his girlfriend has been using his identity along with some of her friends. How do I look into his status without getting into trouble? I am also his next of kin.
L.A.
Hi, Megan. Social Security takes reports of fraud very seriously. If you suspect or know of someone committing fraud against Social Security, report it here. Reporting is easy, safe and secure. You may also report a death yourself by submitting the deceased individual’s death certificate to your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Patrick S.
We recieved 2 payments this month and don’t know why. Is this her money.