Social Security Benefits for Children
Posted 09/13/09
More Social security benefits are given to children than to any other social group. Children are eligible for social security benefits under the account of a parent, step parent, or foster parent that is either disabled or retired (and therefore eligible for Social Security benefits). 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 can receive benefits if they are:
• Unmarried, • Under 18 years of age, • Or are between 18 and 19 years of age, but still a full time student in elementary or secondary school, • Or are disabled and over 18 years old, with their disability having begun before age 22.
Q: Can my children obtain SS benefits under my account if they do not live at home 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. Whether they live with you or not, your child will automatically be considered your financial dependent if you share any of the following relationships with them:
• The child is your legitimate, natural child • He or she is your adopted child • The child is your natural, recognized, but unlegitimized child, and either a court has made a determination of support, or you regularly contribute financially to support the child.
If a court has not officially made a determination of support for a recognized natural child that does not live with you, you can show that child's financial dependency 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 • Records that you made periodic payments for the child • Additional related proofs
In the case of a stepchild, however, the child is considered financially dependent on you (and therefore eligible for benefits) only if he or she lives with you in a parent child relationship. As a guideline, your husband or wife's 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. This will make the child ineligible for benefits.
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