Can a Child Collect Social Security From a Deceased Parent?

Social Security survivor benefits for children provide financial support to eligible children of a deceased parent who worked and paid Social Security taxes. These benefits offer a safety net, helping families meet essential living expenses following the loss of a parent. The program aims to ensure children have financial stability during a challenging time and can assist with daily needs.

Who is Eligible for Benefits

Eligibility for Social Security survivor benefits involves specific criteria for both the child and the deceased parent. A child must generally be unmarried. They must be under 18 years old, or up to age 19 if a full-time student attending elementary or secondary school. Children of any age may qualify if they have a disability that began before they reached 22 years old.

The child’s relationship to the deceased parent is also a determining factor. Benefits are available to biological children, legally adopted children, and often stepchildren. In certain circumstances, dependent grandchildren or step-grandchildren may also qualify for survivor benefits.

The deceased parent must have earned enough “work credits” to be considered “fully insured” by Social Security. Work credits are units earned through working and paying Social Security taxes. For 2025, an individual earns one credit for every $1,810 in covered earnings, up to a maximum of four credits per year. These credits remain on an individual’s Social Security record permanently.

To be fully insured for survivor benefits, the deceased worker generally needs a specific number of work credits, which varies depending on their age at death. For most benefits, a worker needs 40 credits, equivalent to about 10 years of work. However, fewer credits may be needed. For example, if a worker dies at a younger age, they may only need six credits earned in the three years before their death to be considered “currently insured,” which can qualify children for benefits.

Information Needed to Apply

Before applying for child survivor benefits, gather specific documents and information.
The child’s birth certificate or other proof of birth or adoption is required to confirm their identity and age.
The deceased parent’s death certificate is essential to prove the death.
If the deceased parent was a U.S. military veteran, their military discharge papers may be requested.
Social Security numbers for both the child and the deceased parent are necessary for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to process the application.
Proof of the parent-child relationship, such as adoption papers, is important. For stepchildren, proof of the worker’s marriage to the child’s natural or adoptive parent is required.
Applicants should have their bank account information ready for direct deposit, including the bank’s routing number and the account number. Direct deposit is the mandatory method for receiving federal benefit payments.
If the child is over 18 but still in school, proof of school enrollment, such as a statement certified by a school official, will be needed.
For applications based on a child’s disability, medical records and specific forms like the Adult Disability Report (SSA-3368) and Authorization to Disclose Information (SSA-827) are required.

While the SSA accepts photocopies of some documents, original documents, such as birth certificates, are generally required for verification and will be returned.

The Application Process

Once all necessary information and documents are gathered, the application process for Social Security child survivor benefits can begin. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers several methods for submitting an application:
By phone, calling the national toll-free service.
In person, at a local Social Security office. Scheduling an appointment can help reduce wait times.
Online, through available portals. Creating a “my Social Security” account can facilitate this process, including direct deposit setup.

After submission, the SSA reviews the application to determine eligibility. Applicants should expect a processing period, which typically ranges from 30 to 60 days for survivor benefits. During this time, the SSA verifies the provided information, checks earnings records, and calculates the benefit amount. The agency may contact the applicant for additional information or clarification, which could extend the processing time. Upon approval, benefits are typically paid retroactively from the eligibility date, meaning payments cover the period since the child became eligible.

Understanding Benefit Amounts and Duration

The amount of Social Security survivor benefits a child receives is linked to the deceased parent’s earnings record. A child’s benefit is generally calculated as a percentage of the deceased parent’s “Primary Insurance Amount” (PIA). The PIA represents the benefit amount the deceased parent would have received if they had claimed retirement benefits at their full retirement age. For a child, this amount is typically 75% of the deceased parent’s PIA.

There is also a “family maximum benefit” that limits the total amount of benefits payable to a family based on one deceased worker’s earnings record. This cap is usually between 150% and 180% of the deceased parent’s PIA. If the combined benefits for all eligible family members (including the child, and potentially a surviving spouse or other children) exceed this family maximum, each individual’s benefit amount will be proportionally reduced until the total falls within the limit.

Child survivor benefits generally cease when the child reaches a certain age or undergoes a change in life circumstances. For most children, benefits stop when they turn 18. However, if the child is still a full-time student in elementary or secondary school, benefits can continue until they graduate or two months after they turn 19, whichever comes first. For children receiving benefits based on a disability that began before age 22, benefits can continue indefinitely as long as they meet ongoing disability requirements.

It is important for beneficiaries or their representative payees to promptly report certain life changes to the Social Security Administration. Events such as marriage, stopping school, or changes in disability status can affect eligibility and benefit amounts. Failing to report these changes can lead to overpayments that may need to be repaid. The SSA typically sends notices before benefits are scheduled to end, especially as a child approaches age 18.