Your Family's Social Security Questions, Answered
More Social Security benefits are given to children than to any other social group. Children can receive social security benefits under the account of a guardian (that is, a parent, step parent, or foster parent), that is either disabled or eligible for Social Security due to retirement. Children can also be eligible for benefits under the account of their guardian if he or she has died after working and paying enough social security taxes to earn benefits.
Children are eligible for Social Security benefits when they are:
? Single, ? Less than 18 years old, ? Or, 18 to 19 years old and still attending elementary or secondary school full time, ? Or, over the age of 18 and disabled before the age of 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. A child is automatically considered financially dependent on you, regardless of where he or she resides, in the following cases:
? He or she is your legitimate child ? He or she is your adopted child ? He or she is your natural but illegitimate child for whom a judge has issued a determination of support, or for whom you make regular financial contributions.
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 ? Bank records, cancelled checks, etc., showing that you made regular payments on behalf of or in support of your child ? Other 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. Generally, your spouse's legitimate natural child, legally adopted child, or illegitimate natural child will be considered a 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 cases, you can provide proof of your relationship to 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. If you do this, you child will not be entitled to social security benefits under your account.
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