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, 18 to 19 years old and still attending elementary or secondary school full time, •Or are disabled and over 18 years old, with their disability having begun before age 22.
Q: But, will my children receive social security benefits even if they do not live 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:
•The child is your legitimate, natural child •He or she is your adopted child •He or she is your natural but illegitimate child for whom a judge has issued a determination of support, or for whom you make regular financial contributions.
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 childs financial dependence upon you by providing:
•Paperwork showing that your child is qualifies as your dependant in other state and federal programs •Old W2s and other tax forms showing that you claimed your child as a dependent •Bank records, cancelled checks, etc., showing that you made regular payments on behalf of or in support of your child •Other proofs
Financial dependability (and eligibility for social security benefits) of a stepchild, on the other hand, will only determined when that child lives with you and shares with you a parent and child relationship. As a guideline, your husband or wifes legitimate child, adopted child, or illegitimate child will be considered your 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.