When a parent who has paid into Social Security dies, their children may be eligible for survivor benefits.
These benefits provide financial support to the child of a deceased parent, ensuring that their family receives some financial stability even after the loss of a breadwinner.
In 2021, Social Security paid out over $2.8 billion in monthly survivor benefits to more than 4 million children, showing how vital these benefits can be.
How Social Security Works
Social Security was established in 1935 to provide financial support to retirees, the disabled, and families of deceased workers.
Workers and employers contribute through payroll taxes, which fund the benefits paid to current beneficiaries. Retirement benefits are calculated based on an individual’s 35 highest-earning years.
However, the program doesn’t just cover retirement benefits; it also provides support for the families of deceased or disabled workers through survivor benefits.
Survivor Benefits for Children
The child of a deceased parent can qualify for Social Security survivor benefits if the parent paid into Social Security.
These benefits can provide crucial financial help during difficult times. The amount the child receives is typically 75% of the deceased parent’s benefit.
For example, if a parent’s benefit before their death was $2,400 per month, the child would receive $1,800 monthly.
Over time, these payments can add up. As Social Security adjusts for inflation, a young child receiving survivor benefits could receive hundreds of thousands of dollars before turning 18.
While the child receives 75% of the parent’s benefit, a surviving spouse may be eligible for up to 100% of the deceased spouse’s benefit, depending on their age and circumstances. For example:
- A widow or widower at full retirement age can receive 100% of the spouse’s benefit.
- A widow or widower aged 60 to full retirement age can receive up to 99%.
- A widow or widower of any age caring for a child under 16 can receive 75%.
However, there’s a limit to the total amount a family can receive in survivor benefits, usually between 150% and 180% of the deceased parent’s benefit.
Qualifications for Survivor Benefits
To qualify for survivor benefits, the deceased parent must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. The number of years required for the family to qualify depends on the parent’s age at death.
For younger workers, fewer years of work are needed. No one needs more than 10 years of work (or 40 Social Security credits) for their family to qualify for benefits.
The child must also meet specific eligibility criteria:
- The child must generally be under 18 years old.
- If the child is a full-time student in elementary or secondary school, they can receive benefits until age 19.
- If the child has a disability that began before age 22, they may receive benefits indefinitely.
Children of parents who worked in certain jobs, such as some school districts or government roles that do not contribute to Social Security, may not qualify for survivor benefits unless the parent worked in jobs that did pay into Social Security.
When Do Survivor Benefits End?
For most children, survivor benefits stop when they turn 18. However, benefits may continue until 19 if they are full-time students in elementary or secondary school.
For children with a disability that began before age 22, benefits can continue indefinitely.
For surviving spouses, the rules differ. Widows and widowers who are not yet eligible for retirement benefits can receive survivor benefits until their child turns 16.
After that, they can begin claiming their own Social Security retirement benefits or continue receiving survivor benefits when they reach retirement age.
How to Apply for Survivor Benefits
To apply for Social Security survivor benefits for a child, the surviving parent will need:
- The child’s birth certificate or proof of adoption.
- Social Security numbers for both the deceased parent and the child.
- If applying for a child with a disability, medical proof of the disability.
Once you have the required documents, you must apply by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. The SSA does not allow you to apply for survivor benefits online.
Use of Survivor Benefits
Survivor benefits for children are intended solely to support the child’s financial needs. The surviving parent or guardian acts as a “representative payee,” managing the funds to ensure they are used for the child’s care, such as food, housing, and education.
Social Security survivor benefits offer a vital safety net for the children of deceased parents. Understanding how these benefits work can provide financial relief and stability for families during difficult times.
With careful planning and an understanding of the application process, families can ensure they receive the support they need.
FAQs
How much can a child receive in Social Security survivor benefits?
A child can receive 75% of the deceased parent’s benefit.
Until what age do survivor benefits last for children?
Survivor benefits last until age 18, or 19 if the child is a full-time student.
Can a disabled child receive survivor benefits indefinitely?
Yes, if the disability began before age 22, benefits can continue indefinitely.
Can I apply for survivor benefits online?
No, you must call 1-800-772-1213 to apply for survivor benefits.
What is the maximum family benefit from Social Security?
The total family benefit is usually between 150% and 180% of the deceased parent’s benefit.
