Social Security for children: Who qualifies and how to claim benefits

Some children in the U.S. can get Social Security money to help them grow up if their parent retires, becomes disabled, or dies. This money comes from the Social Security taxes the parent paid while working. A child can qualify if their parent is retired and already getting Social Security benefits. A child can also qualify if their parent has a disability and receives Social Security.

Children may also get benefits if a parent has died after working long enough and paying Social Security taxes. Unmarried children under age 18 can receive benefits on their parent’s record. Children aged 18–19 can still qualify if they are full-time students in school, as cited by USA Today. Adults aged 18 or older can qualify if they have a disability that started before age 22.

Who else can qualify

In some cases, stepchildren, adopted children, dependent grandchildren, and step-grandchildren may also qualify. If a parent is retired or disabled, a child may receive up to 50% of the parent’s monthly benefit. Example: If a parent gets $2,000 per month, the child may get up to $1,000 monthly, as noted by USA Today. If a parent dies, children can usually receive about 75% of the parent’s benefit amount.

How much money children get

The exact payment depends on the parent’s work history and earnings. There is also a family limit on how much total money can be paid. The total family benefit usually ranges between 150% and 180% of the parent’s monthly benefit, as noted by USA Today. Example: If a parent gets $2,000 monthly, the family total could be between $3,000 and $3,600.

If the family qualifies for more than the limit, each person’s payment is reduced. Experts say parents should plan early because benefits can help children if retirement, disability, or death happens.

FAQs

Q1. Can children get Social Security benefits if a parent dies?

Yes, children may receive monthly survivor benefits if a parent worked and paid Social Security taxes, according to USA Today.

Q2. How much Social Security money can a child receive?

A child can usually get up to 50% of a parent’s benefit, or about 75% if the parent has died, as reported by USA Today.