SSA Talks: Benefits for Children (SSI and Survivors)
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: October 1, 2024
Kathleen Romig, Senior Advisor in the Office of the Commissioner, joined the latest episode of SSA Talks to discuss the types of benefits Social Security offers to children. As a prior advocate and mother of a child with disabilities, Kathleen recognizes the challenges that children and families encounter. Her awareness of these challenges – and her engagement with others in the advocate community – enable Kathleen to identify ways that Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) help children.
In this episode, Kathleen discusses benefits for children — disability, SSI, and survivors. This also includes eligibility for adults who have a disability that began before age 22.
Kathleen also explains how SSA is taking more proactive steps to reach eligible children, including the new Survivor benefits webpage, and collaborations with states and communities.
The episode is accompanied by a transcript and links to related materials.
Listen to the episode on our SSA Talks page and subscribe to receive alerts about future episodes. For more information and news about Social Security, check out our Communications Corner.
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Tags: Children, SSA Talks, SSI, Survivors
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Cathy
My son is on disability and he needed to know if he can claim his 2 stepchildren
Deborah D.
I am being told, by bank, that as payee, for Stanley Kendrick, that I need to set up a separate account for my son, then transfer to my account.
Is this true…I have been the payee for this profoundly disabled person for 32 years now…..do I REALLY need these extra steps?
If so, I need a letter that confirms I am the payee.
Thank you
Deb Chrystal
sharon
I’m receiving SS currently and wanted to know how to apply for my former spouses SS. I was married for 16 years.
T.Y.
Hi, Sharon. Since you were married to your former spouse for at least 10 years, you may be eligible for benefits as a divorced spouse. You cannot be eligible for a higher benefit on your own record. For more information about the eligibility for divorced spouse’s benefits, visit our Benefits Planner: Retirement | Benefits For Your Family | SSA. Hope this helps!
robert a.
i nerd someones help at social security concerning 2 issues. first my social security payments have stopped for 11 months now. i sent in the form for 3 compliance questions. they got the form and processed it. but no money came. this is thur the office of international operations. they don’t answer their phone. or respond to emails. so it’s impossible to reach them to ask questions. they treat us outside the country like 3rd. class citizens. we don’t get the same quality service people do inside the U.S. i expect my government with a trillion dollar budget to answer the phones. i’m destitute with no money please help. a simple email responce would be great.also my children didn’ get paid
Melissa K.
My ex-husband served in the Navy and Army. We have a daughter who has Autism, ADHD,Anxiety,and other disorders. My question is does my daughter qualify for any benefits as a military veterans dependent? My ex-husband died by Suicide in 2009.
S.S.
Hi Melissa. We are sorry for your loss. Your daughter may be eligible for benefits. To read more visit our Veterans page. Since your daughter has a disability, she may be eligible for disability benefits. Social Security has two disability programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that makes payments to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are based on a worker’s earnings. If you have additional questions, you can speak with representative by calling us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Amy M.
My husband who was on SSI died a week ago. Is our 13 year old daughter entitled to any surf benefits.
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog and for your question. Unfortunately, survivor benefits are not eligible for those who receive SSI. When a parent passes away after working long enough in a job where he or she paid Social Security taxes, their children or spouses could receive monthly Survivor benefits. You can find more information on our survivors benefits page. We hope this information helps.
B S.
I am the mother to 4 of 6 children who’s biological mother passed away recently. The 2 oldest children have long since been adopted by another family. All 6 children are entitled to benefits. HOWEVER, my 4 can not get them because SS says all 6 have to be filed for and processed at the same time and the other adoptive family is not being proactive in filing for the older children. Tell me how this is fair or just for my 4 children?
Clistna A.
My son is 7 and is autistic can I get SSI for him
Karen G.
It is definitely worthwhile to apply! Do you have documentation of his diagnosis, such as a psychological assessment report? That is essential. You should know that Social Security may also send you and your child to another psychologist for an additional, free assessment. Make sure to provide Sicial Security with all the information they request, including a copy of his or her IEP from the school district and reports and contact info regarding any other therapies your child receives! The other aspect of qualifying for SSI is financial, based on income and resources of the parents and child. Good luck!