I am 64 and receiving SS retirement. My husband is 55. We have recently been awarded legal guardianship of our 4 year old granddaughter. I have received conflicting information. Some information states that with legal guardianship, we can receive SS benefits for our granddaughter, and other information states she must be adopted or have disabled parents. Which is correct? I am currently using your software, which gives benefits to the child and my spouse. Thank you.

Hi,

Guardianship is not a determining factor with regard to the eligibility of a grandchild on a grandparent's record. In order for your granddaughter to qualify for child's benefits on your record, both of her natural parents would have to be deceased or disabled (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200306235), or you would need to adopt her. If neither of those conditions are met, you should not list her as your child when using the software.

Best, Jerry