The Social Security Administration is built through monthly payments from taxpayers to address one-time needs such as maternity, disability, or sickness pensions. However, it also covers one of society’s most vulnerable and important sectors: children. Social Security in the United States addresses the need to help children with financially vulnerable parents with their food, education, and health.
According to Social Security data, in 2020, it allocated an estimated $2.8 billion in loans to benefit four million children because one or both parents are disabled, retired, or deceased. Each year, they invest a significant amount of money in meeting children’s most basic needs in the most popular sectors. If you want to know the children social security benefits, here we discuss it.
Who is eligible for Social Security Child’s Insurance Benefits?
Social security benefits help families, especially children, to attend school with food or health care when a parent dies or is disabled. The basic idea is to provide a stable future for the children. There is also a second category for disabled children with low-income parents, for whom Social Security provides “supplemental benefits.”
For a child to be eligible as a Social Security beneficiary, they must meet the following requirements.
- Be unmarried
- Be under 18 years of age
- Be a full-time student
- If between 18 and 19 years of age, must be a full-time student.
- If you are over 18 and have a disability that began before age 22.
Under some circumstances, Social Security also benefits stepchildren, adopted children, or grandchildren. To be 100% eligible, children must have:
- Retired or disabled parents are entitled to social security benefits.
- One parent deceased after working and paying into Social Security for many years.
Benefits after age 18
The Social Security Administration cuts off benefits when recipients turn 18. However, the rule has two exemptions: the child is a student or disabled.
- When the child is a student
Social Security sends a notice notifying the cut-off of benefits three months before the recipient’s 18th birthday. However, these may continue if the child is a full -time high school or elementary school student at age 18.
The parent must notify Social Security that the child under age 19 is a full-time student. They must complete and submit an attendance letter certified by a school’s management work to do so. Upon approval, benefits are continued upon high school completion or two months after the child’s 19th birthday.
- When the child is disabled
If the disability begins before age 22, child disability benefits also continue after the child’s 18th birthday.
Dependent child benefits
If you are an adult and receive dependent child benefits, the period is shorter. Benefits will end when the child turns 16, not 18. If the child is mentally incapacitated, benefits continue as long as you have parental control and are the sole caregiver.
When the child is physically disabled, benefits may continue if you perform personal services for the child. Three months before the child’s 16th birthday, Social Security will send you a notice explaining the conditions for you to continue receiving benefits.
How much do children receive in Social Security benefits?
A child can receive 50% of the parent’s total retirement or disability benefits in a family. When the child receives a survivor benefit, they receive 75% of the deceased parent’s help. Social Security limits the amount of money they can give to the family.
The maximum amount to be received is part of the Social Security benefit calculation. It covers between 150 and 180% of the parent’s total benefits. If the amount to all family members is higher than the limit, each person’s benefit, except the parent’s, is reduced until the amount equals the maximum amount allowed.
How do you apply for social security benefits for children?
The Social Security Administration opens two possibilities to apply for benefits. Interested parties can use it online or by calling their customer service number.
Applying online
The quickest way to apply for social security benefits for children is through the social security website. If you go to this link www.ssa.gov. You have the following options:
- Apply for benefits
- Obtain relevant information
- Find publications
- Get answers to frequently asked questions
If you wish to apply for benefits this way, we recommend that you create an account on “my Social Security”. By logging in, you can view your Social Security statement, certify your income and obtain estimates of future benefits. You can also print a benefit verification letter, replace direct deposit information, request a replacement Medicare card, have a replacement SSA-1099/1042S, and request a Social Security card.
Applying by phone
If you do not have access to the Internet, you can apply via a phone call. The line is answered by an automated service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The call is completely free of charge to the following numbers:
- Preferred number: 1-800-772-1213
- TTY number if you are deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-325-0778
You can receive personal assistance with a live attendant if you call Monday through Friday between 07:00 am and 07:00 pm. These hours are the busiest times for Social Security beneficiaries, so the agency asks for patience if the lines are engaged or there are long waiting times.