When a working parent dies, Social Security survivor benefits can help support that parent’s children. How much a child receives in Social Security depends on several factors, including the age of the child and the work history of the deceased parent. Understanding the basics of survivor benefits for children can help families plan for this difficult situation.
Survivor Benefits Overview
Social Security pays survivor benefits to qualified family members of eligible workers who have passed away. This includes widows, widowers, and dependent children. The deceased worker must have paid into Social Security through taxes on their earnings for a required period of time in order for survivors to collect benefits.
Children can receive survivor benefits if they are unmarried and:
– Younger than age 18
– 18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12)
– 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22
The child must also be biologically related to the deceased parent, legally adopted by them, or dependent on them — they must be able to prove they were receiving at least one-half of their financial support from the deceased parent.
How Much Does a Child Get?
The amount a child under 18 receives is based on their deceased parent’s work history. Specifically, it is calculated from the parent’s basic Social Security benefit, which is based on their lifetime average earnings. Some key points:
– A child gets 75% of the deceased parent’s basic benefit amount
– There is a “family maximum” limit on the amount that can be paid to a surviving parent and children. It ranges from 150-180% of the deceased worker’s benefit amount.
– If the family maximum is reached, each survivor’s benefit is reduced proportionately to stay within the limit
– A surviving spouse who is caring for the deceased’s child is also eligible for a benefit. The family maximum factors in both the surviving spouse’s benefit and benefits to the children.
This means the actual amount a child under 18 receives can vary, but it will be at least 50% of the deceased parent’s benefit amount.
Some examples:
– If the deceased parent’s benefit amount was $1000/month, the child would get $750 (75% of $1000).
– If the family maximum for 3 survivors was $1800, and the spouse’s benefit was $600, then the maximum for the 2 children would be $1200 ($1800 – $600 spouse benefit). So each child would get $600.
Maximum family benefit example
| Survivor | Individual Benefit Amount | Proportionate Share of Family Max |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving Spouse | $600 | $600 |
| Child 1 | $750 | $600 |
| Child 2 | $750 | $600 |
| Total Family Benefit | $2100 | $1800 (family max) |
Benefits for Students 18-19 Years Old
Benefits continue as long as the child is a full-time student at a secondary school. The benefit amount is the same as it would be if they were under 18. Annual income limits apply once a child reaches 18 – benefits are reduced if they earn above a certain amount, which is $19,560 in 2023.
Benefits for Disabled Children 18 and Older
Benefits also continue if a child was disabled before turning 22 and remains disabled. There is no age limit and benefits continue for the duration of the disability. The benefit amount is also the same as if they were a minor child. Certain income limits apply, and the Social Security Administration will periodically review the disability.
Retroactive and Lump Sum Benefits
Survivor benefits are paid starting the month after the parent dies. However, children can receive benefits retroactively for up to 6 months prior to filing a claim. This helps cover the gap between the parent’s death and the time it takes to apply for benefits.
In some cases, a lump sum payment is made in addition to monthly benefits. This may happen if there are months where the child was eligible for benefits but did not receive them. Lump sum amounts make up for those missed payments.
Impacts on Other Benefits
In some circumstances, receiving Social Security can impact eligibility for other government benefits.
For example, if a child receives Social Security survivor benefits, that income counts towards the household income when determining eligibility for programs like Medicaid, CHIP, food stamps, SSI, and TANF. The Social Security income may make the family ineligible for needs-based assistance they otherwise could receive.
It is important to seek good counsel when applying for survivor benefits to understand these potential impacts. An elder law or Social Security attorney can provide guidance specific to your situation.
How to Apply for Benefits
To receive survivor benefits for a child, the following steps need to be taken:
1. Report the family member’s death by contacting the Social Security Administration. This can be done online, by phone, mail, or in person.
2. Formally apply for survivor benefits. The SSA will provide information on applying once the death is reported. The following documents will be needed:
– Child’s birth certificate
– Deceased parent’s Social Security number
– Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency for any survivors who are applying for benefits
– The deceased’s most recent W-2 forms or federal tax return
– Death certificate
3. The minor child’s caregiver or legal guardian handles the application process on their behalf. If approved, the child’s benefits are paid to the caretaker on the child’s behalf.
4. Continue reporting eligibility annually or whenever circumstances change, like the child graduating high school.
Survivor Benefits Do Not Disqualify from Additional Assistance
While Social Security survivor benefits provide essential income support to children who lose a working parent, many families also face financial hardship from the loss of that parent’s earnings.
Survivor benefits alone are often not enough to fully provide for a child’s needs. The good news is that receiving Social Security does not preclude a child from qualifying for other assistance programs. These can provide additional support with basic needs:
– **Supplemental Security Income (SSI)**: Provides additional income support for disabled children or those with limited parental income and assets.
– **Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)**: Provides financial assistance to families with children under 18. Eligibility is based on family assets and the child having little or no other income sources.
– **Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP)**: Provides free or low-cost health coverage for children in families under certain income limits. In many states, qualification for SSI leads to Medicaid eligibility.
– **Nutrition assistance**: Programs like SNAP (food stamps) and school meal programs help with food security. Eligibility is based on total household income from all sources.
– **Housing assistance**: Survivor benefits are not considered when qualifying for Section 8, public housing, and related programs to assist with housing costs.
Families should not hesitate to apply for public assistance programs for which they qualify. Local social services agencies can provide guidance on available programs in your state and help with applications and documentation.
Other Benefits for Survivors of Military Servicemembers
If a child’s deceased parent was an active or retired military servicemember, there are additional benefits that may be available:
– **VA Survivors Pension**: Provides income to qualified children of deceased wartime veterans. The veteran must have served at least 90 days, with one day during a wartime period.
– **VA Dependents Educational Assistance**: Pays tuition, books, fees, and housing for college or vocational training. Available to unmarried children under 26 of veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities or who died on active duty.
– **CHAMPVA**: Health insurance coverage for dependents and survivors of veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities.
– **Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)**: Allows enrollment in TRICARE health insurance for dependents of deceased active duty servicemembers.
The VA regional office or a VA representative can provide guidance on benefits eligibility and the application process for these and other possible assistance programs.
Planning for Continued Support of Dependent Children
Losing a parent is emotionally and financially devastating for a family. While Social Security and other survivor benefits provide a safety net, families should also develop their own plans to support children through the loss. Areas to address include:
– **Update estate plan**: Review beneficiaries on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, etc. to ensure assets pass to children as intended. Consider setting up a trust to provide structure around children’s access to funds at different ages.
– **Review budgets**: Assess the financial picture for the surviving household. Factor in survivor benefits but also look for places to cut costs. Prioritize changes that will provide long-term security.
– **Explore assistance programs**: Research eligibility and apply for any public or charitable programs that can help meet children’s needs. Don’t let pride get in the way of accepting help.
– **Discuss legacy**: Talk with older children about the values and life lessons the deceased parent wanted them to embrace. Engage younger children through sharing photos, stories, and preserving family traditions.
– **Accept support**: Give friends and family opportunities to help ease burdens through providing meals, rides, childcare, errands, and an empathetic ear. Don’t try to do it all alone.
– **Take care of your health**: As hard as it is, ensure you get enough sleep, nutrition, exercise and stay on top of your own medical care. Your children need you at your best. Stay strong.
Conclusion
Losing a parent is a painful time, especially when children are still young and financially dependent. Social Security survivor benefits provide a steady stream of income to help provide for children and ease the financial stress on families. The amount each child receives varies based on the deceased parent’s earnings but will be at least 50% of their benefit amount.
While survivor benefits are extremely helpful, families will likely need to make both financial and emotional adjustments after losing a working parent. Take advantage of available assistance programs, community support, and grief counseling. With advanced planning, care for your own needs, and focusing on open communication and preserving your loved one’s memory, your family can persevere through this difficult transition.