Ask Larry

Why Can't My Granddaughter Get Benefits On Her Parent's Record?

Thank you for your quick response I just have one question, you said " unless one or both of her parent's are entitled to Social Security benefits on their own record, she can't get child's benefits on their records either". Can I ask why? not on her parents records, were you referring to present time or any time now and in the future?

Hi,

A child cannot get Social Security benefits on their parent's record unless the parent is either deceased or entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits. You said that both of your granddaughter's parents are living, so that leaves entitlement to benefits as the only other current possibility. If either of her parents die or become entitled to benefits in the future, your granddaughter may qualify for Social Security child benefits if she meets all of the requirements for entitlement at that time. For more information, refer to the following pamphlet: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10085.pdf.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jan 5 2017 - 6:00am
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