I was asking a question for a friend if u draw SS for two kids say each one get 500 each when the older one gets 18 goes off her part the check goes to the younger one correct like they will still draw the same 1000 for one same as 500 for two. Just was asking they won’t lose no money correct. Thanks

Hi. Not necessarily. The only way that your friend's younger child's benefit amount would increase when the older child is no longer eligible for benefits is if the children's current individual benefit rates are being reduced due to the family maximum benefit (FMB) amount.

Surviving child benefits are normally calculated based on 75% of a deceased parent's primary insurance amount (PIA), or 50% of a living parent's PIA. However, there is a family maximum benefit (FMB) amount that can limit the total monthly amount that can be paid from any individual worker's Social Security record. And, as a result of the FMB, the monthly amount that's actually payable child can end up being less that their full 50% or 75% of the parent's PIA depending on the amount of FMB and the number of family members who are eligible for benefits on the worker's account.

There isn't enough information in your question for me to be able to know whether or not your friend's children's benefits are currently being reduced due to the FMB, so I can't tell you whether or not her younger child's benefit rate will increase when her older child's benefits terminate. I would suggest that she call Social Security to find out, since they would have access to the records needed to answer your question.

Best, Jerry