Do you know social security is one of the largest programs for serving the children of deceased parents? It is no wonder that about 4 million American children receive $2.8 for social security benefits every year.
If one of the parents is deceased, retired, or disabled, the children can get social security benefits to complete their school and stabilize their financial future. The child can get benefits until 18 years, but the duration can also be extended in certain situations.
Do you want to explore more about these benefits for the child of deceased parents? Are you wondering how much financial support will they get or how long will they receive this support? If yes, then stay along with us!
How Can A Child of A Deceased Parent Receive Social Security Benefits?
Social security administrations provide benefits only if they get certain documents and information about the child and deceased parent. So, if you are a surviving child and have the following documents, don’t hesitate to contact the SSA to obtain social security benefits.
- Your and the wage earner’s social security number
- The wage earner’s W-2 form
- Proof of death (death certificate or any relevant proof)
- Bank and account number
How Much Financial Support Do Children Receive?
Several parameters are used by SSA to determine the amount that the children of deceased parents will get.
However, the eligible child of deceased parents receives up to 75 percent of the deceased parent’s benefit, but the children of retired and disabled workers get up to one-half of their parent’s benefit.
On Average, it’s about 1.2 million children of dead parents who are receiving survivor benefits of $883 monthly. In addition, there are 343,125 children who get $683 in benefits every month because their parents are retired. On the other hand, the $374 is provided to the 1.3 million children of disabled parents.
How Long Do Children Receive Benefits?
The dependent children are entitled to social security benefits until they reach the age of 18 years; it can continue until age 19 if they are attending high school full time (GED classes or going to college is not included). Currently, about 113,000 high schoolers are receiving the benefits under this provision.
In the past, if the child was in a vocational school or a full-time student in college, the benefits had continued until they were 22. However, in 1981 the Congress abandoned the post-secondary students’ benefits.
Note:
- If the children of deceased parents have any disability that began before they are 22, they are also eligible for social security benefits.
- If children rely on their grandparents or step-parent for financial support, they can also collect benefits on their death.
- Adopted children can also receive social security benefits.
How Can Anybody Apply For Benefits?
For applying, the child can call the SSA office or visit the office physically. Well, calling the toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 is a straightforward way.
You can contact the social security representatives from Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A hard-of-hearing person can call 1-800-325-0778 SSA’s TTY at the same timings and on the same days. The discussion remains confidential.
Our Summary
If the parents of a young child die, he can avail himself of the social security benefits on specific terms and conditions. This article has shed light on those terms and conditions as well as on many other benefits.
So, if you also want to avail social security benefits, this blog post is for you. You can read it from the start to the end.