A child may be eligible for Social Security benefits when at least one parent qualifies for Social Security retirement, disability, or death benefits. Children receive these benefits based on their parent’s work records. In 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provided an average of $2.8 billion in benefits to 4 million children each month.
Children who may get Social Security benefits can also include:
Children of a retired or disabled parent or grandparent may receive up to one-half of the parent’s full benefit amount. When a parent who worked long enough to meet the SSA’s criteria dies, their child may receive up to 75 percent of the deceased parent’s survivor benefits.
These benefits may be granted to children until age 18. However, if a child is still in elementary or high school, the child may continue to get benefits until he or she either graduates high school or else reaches the age of 19 years and 2 months old. Children who became severely disabled before turning 22 may continue acquiring benefits as adults. In most cases, a child with a disability must be unmarried to receive benefits.
The maximum family payment
The SSA applies a maximum family payment to families receiving benefits through a parent’s work record. The maximum family payment ranges from 150 percent to 180 percent of the parent’s full benefit amount. Sometimes, the amount payable to all family members surpasses the limit. When that happens, the SSA decreases each family member’s benefit proportionately. In other words, children with more siblings may receive smaller individual benefits than children with fewer siblings.
Other SSA Programs
SSA, for a child to qualify for SSI, the child must have a severe physical or mental condition that limits the child’s activities and has either lasted one year or is expected to be fatal.With regard to household income, the SSA subjects families receiving SSI to strict income thresholds and periodically reviews each child’s disability status.
Applying for Social Security benefits
Parents and guardians may apply for Social Security benefits for their children. To apply, you may need:
Visit ssa.gov to learn more.