Social Security benefits are not only limited to retirees or disabled persons; blue-eyed E. These benefits are available for qualifying children as well. We’ll fill you in.
Even though it seems as though applying for benefits for a child through Social Security is going to have added steps, it really is pretty similar to applying for benefits for yourself so long as the child in question meets the requirements. In the next lessons, we will discuss the conditions for enrollment and the instructions for children to obtain Social Security benefits.
For more, the four things that may lead to the loss of your Social Security benefits and how to apply for SSI.
My Child Is A Dependent, So Can He/She Get Any Benefits?
As a final note, before going through the entire application process, you should determine whether the child for whom you are applying is qualified to receive Social Security benefits. The following is generally what enables a child to seek approval on benefits.
A child under the age of 18 may be eligible for benefits if either:
- The child’s parents or both get Social Security benefits because they are retired, have a disability, or are planning to apply for it.
- One of both of the child’s parents has passed away and paid enough in his or her jobs into Social Security taxes, earning at least 40 working credits.
- Children 18 years of age and older may qualify for benefits if:
- The child is 18 or 19 years old and is attending elementary or secondary schooling year-round as of grade 12 or below.
- Uncategorized 18 or older and have a disability that was received before reaching the age of 22.
Application Process
Applying for Social Security benefits for children involves several steps:
- Gather Documentation: Required documents include birth certificates, Social Security numbers for both parent and child and proof of the parent’s work history (if applicable).
- Submit Application: Applications can be submitted online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or in person at local SSA offices.
- Provide Additional Information: If applying for survivor benefits, documentation proving the parent’s death will be necessary.
