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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karen b.
My daughters dad started recieving ssi disability checks for himself.I k like his other two kids now his children are supposed to get one as well but my question is my daughter isin her last year befor graduating but she is also homeschooled.Will she still be entitled to one as well. thanks
Shirley (.
Children’s father died at age 54 unexpectedly. Parents are divorced for years. Children were told at age 11,12 that they are not entitled to any benefits. Reason they say is that Dad owed Social Security. How can they be held responsible or punished for a depth, and put in hardship for a deceased fathers problem with Social Security? This is just not acceptable. Children need a home and secure life.
Richard C.
Hello Mr Borland,
I need a little help for my grandson Jesse
About 16 years ago he was receiving SSI for a disability of a type of Autism ,he was about 6 or7
He was living with his mother (my daughter) at the time.after a divorce from his father
When he was 10 he went to live with his father and was taken off SSI disability even though he still had the same problem that was never treated
He is now living with me and his grandmother (who has alzheimer’s) for that past 3 years. Unable to find a job,he plays on his computer all day and night,
I am trying to find him a job that he can do. I am working with The Washington .State Rehabilitation Agency who can place him on a number 1 priority
if i can provide records of his disability. I have contacted the agency in
Puyallup Washington who first gave the diagnosis but their records don’t go back as far as 16 years ago.. Since he was on SSI disability, there must be records of his medical condition. Can you help me located them in order that he may find employment?
There is an opportunity for him at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard that I have checked about securing his employment.
Thank you for your help
Richard C
Grandfather
Ray F.
Thank you for contacting us, Richard. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please continue working with your local Social Security office. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.
Jill F.
can children in out of home placement, whose parents get SSI, qualify for SSI themselves to defray caretaker expenses?
Ray F.
Hi Jill! Benefits issued through our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, are based on the needs of the individual and are only paid to the qualifying person. There are no spouse’s, children’s or survivors benefits payable. Thanks.
Dominique
I was wondering if a gramd parent raising their grand child can out them on their social security plan without having any papers with the fathers name on it if anyone could answer this question i would be greatful
Ramon E.
I just retired, I have a thirteen year old son. What do I need to do to get benefits for him?
Ray F.
Thank you for your question, Ramon. When you qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, your children may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. Generally, during your initial interview to apply for Social Security benefits, we typically explore the eligibility for other members of your family. Click here to see what information you will need to provide to apply for your child’s benefits.
You can apply for benefits by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply. We hope this helps!
Geraldine B.
my daughters benefits have stopped, she is 15. we have not been notified as to the reason.
Ray F.
Hello Geraldine. We are sorry for this inconvenience. Unfortunately and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this venue. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation and answer your questions about this matter. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Or visit your local Social Security office for further assistance. Thanks.
Tameka
if you do not stay with the parent who gets disability, does that mean you get cut off you’re check for staying with them?
Tress M.
My 30 year old daughter receive Social Security benefits for disability. She did not make enough income and is receiving her benefits based on my income. She has dependent children. Are those children eligible for Social Security based on my income as well?
Ray F.
Thank you for your question, Tress. 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 “Benefits For Grandchildren” for more information.
Latonya C.
I have breast cancer and receive ssi, I also have two daughters ages 10&13. My youngest child’s father is also on disability, I want to know why my children are eligible for benefits.
Ray F.
Thank you for your question, Latonya. Benefits paid through our Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, in certain circumstances, are payable to other family members, including minor children. Benefits issued through our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, are based on the needs of the individual and are only paid to the qualifying person. There are no spouse’s, children’s or survivors benefits payable. For more information, read “Benefits for Children“.