A Guide to Social Security Survivor Benefits: Losing a parent or guardian is an emotionally taxing and difficult time, and it can bring significant financial uncertainty, particularly for children who are financially dependent.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration provides survivor benefits to eligible children to alleviate their financial burden.
Here is how to apply for Social Security Survivor Benefits for a child if you find yourself in such a situation.
A Guide to Social Security Survivor Benefits
1. Eligibility Requirements
For a child to be eligible for Social Security Survivor Benefits, he or she must be unmarried and under 18 years old (or up to 19 if they are still enrolled in full-time elementary or secondary education). Children with disabilities that began before the age of 22 may also qualify for assistance.
2. Acquire Necessary Details
Gather the required documentation, including the child’s birth certificate and Social Security number, before beginning the application procedure. Additionally, you will need the parent’s mortality certificate and Social Security number.
3. Get in touch with the Social Security Administration
To schedule an appointment, contact your local Social Security office or call the toll-free number (1-800-772-1213). You can also begin the procedure online by visiting the Social Security Administration’s official website.
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4. Submit an Application
The representative from Social Security will guide you through the application process and assist you in completing the necessary paperwork. You may be required to provide additional details regarding the child’s relationship to the deceased parent and any other benefits the child may be receiving.
5. Patience throughout the processing
After submitting the application, the Social Security Administration may require some time to review and process the claim. The processing time can vary depending on the case’s complexity and the volume of applications.
6. Recognise the benefit Amount
The quantity of the survivor benefit is based on the work history and lifetime earnings of the deceased parent. The greater the parent’s work-based contributions to Social Security, the more likely the survivor benefit will be higher.
7. Monitor the status of the infant
After the approval of survivor benefits, it is essential to monitor the child’s eligibility status. For instance, if the child reaches the age of 18 or completes secondary school, the benefits may end. Maintain awareness of any changes that could affect the continuation of benefits.
Claiming Social Security Survivor Benefits for a child after the death of a parent or guardian can be a crucial step in securing their financial future. Understanding the eligibility requirements, completing the application process, and keeping abreast of any changes are essential for ensuring that the child receives the necessary assistance during this difficult time.
