Social security benefits are often surmised to be received by retirees and senior citizens. However, there is another important view to these benefits that these payments go to the children of the country. Social security also works for the betterment of children. As per social security administration report, $2.5 billion in form of social security goes to approximately 4.4 million children every month.
Not all the kids qualify for these benefits. This article aims to provide information on how it works for children and who all can receive it.
Who qualifies?
Social security benefits can be enjoyed by biological children as well as adopted and stepchildren. Social security for kids is basically meant to provide them for high school. Though, the kids who fall in the category of the receiver should;
- Have disabled or retired parents.
- Be dependent on elderly grandparents.
- Be unmarried.
- Be 18 year old or below or 19 in case a kid is a full-time high school student.
- Be above 18 and disabled (only if the disability began before the age of 22)
How does it work?
Child’s birth certificate, the parents’ Social Security numbers, and the child’s Social Security number are the basic things the family should provide. They may ask for some additional documents depending on the situation. Death certificate of parents in case of deceased parents or proof of disability of parents.
If you are getting it for your disabled child, they will provide you a fact sheet and starter packet. It helps you know the process of receiving the benefit. You can now easily sign up.
Moreover, if you are taking care of a child that is not disabled, your benefits will terminate as soon as the kid is 16. On the other hand, if the child is disabled, the benefit will continue. Contact social security administration for details regarding such circumstances.
How much do you receive?
The amount the child receives depends on the circumstances. He/she can receive up to half of the parent’s disability benefit or full retirement benefit. The kid is entitled to 75% of parents’ social security benefits if the parents are deceased. All the family members can collectively receive up to 180% of full social security benefit of parents. There is a limit to these benefits.
Find a social security office near you
When you are new to all this, you might face challenges like finding a social security office or difficulty in applying for these benefits. It is not as difficult as it seems. You can find almost everything on the internet. You are just a few clicks away from all the important information regarding social security payments. Just go to www.socialsecuritypledge.org and it is all there. It is the web’s largest directory where you can find the location of nearby social security office no matter in which state you are. It covers all the office in the US.
Once you have the address of the nearest office, half of your work is already done. Employees at the social security office will help you with everything. Get an appointment and bring the documents they need. They cooperate with you in every possible way.
There is a link for each state on this website. When you go to that link, it provides you the detail about location, their phone number, and office timing. If you still have any confusion about the location, you can just get the number and directly call them for guidance. It wouldn’t take much of your time.