Find Out If Your Child Qualifies for Social Security Benefits
09/12/08
More Social Security benefits are given to children than to any other social group. Children can receive social security benefits under the account of a guardian (that is, a parent, step parent, or foster parent), that is either disabled or eligible for Social Security due to retirement. They are also eligible if said guardian has died after paying social security taxes a long enough period to qualify their survivors for benefits.
Children are eligible for Social Security benefits when they are:
• Single, • Under 18 years of age, • Or are between 18 and 19 years of age, but still a full time student in elementary or secondary school, • Or are disabled and over 18 years old, with their disability having begun before age 22.
Q: Can my children obtain SS benefits under my account if they do not live at home with me?
Whether or not your children can receive benefits will depend on your specific relationship with them. For a child to be able to obtain benefits under your social security account, he or she must be financially dependent upon you. A child is automatically considered financially dependent on you, regardless of where he or she resides, in the following cases:
• He or she is your legitimate child • He or she is your adopted child • The child is your natural, recognized, but unlegitimized child, and either a court has made a determination of support, or you regularly contribute financially to support the child.
If you have a recognized, illegitimate child who does not reside in your home, and for whom a judge has not made an official determination of support, you can give evidence of that child's financial dependence upon you by providing:
• Paperwork showing that your child is qualifies as your dependant in other state and federal programs • Previous tax returns in which you claimed the child as a dependent • Records that you made periodic payments for the child • Additional related proofs
In the case of a stepchild, however, the child is considered financially dependent on you (and therefore eligible for benefits) only if he or she lives with you in a parent child relationship. Generally, your spouse's legitimate natural child, legally adopted child, or illegitimate natural child will be considered a step child. This step child will remain eligible for benefits after the death of or divorce from their natural parent (your spouse), as long as the child continues to live with you in a regular parent and child relationship.
In any of the above child parent relationships, you can give evidence of the status of your relationship with your child. If you choose, you can also provide proof that you do not live with or contribute financially to the support of your child. If you do this, you child will not be entitled to social security benefits under your account.