Child Benefits

My ex-husband recently passed. He was collecting SSD. I applied for survivor benefits for my minor son. While at the local social security office the person helping me advised that my ex did not notify social security that he had minor children back when he applied for SSD, no the children are not entitled to back benefits. Is there any way to appeal this? He had 3 minor child when he initially applied for SSD approximately 4 years ago. Also, child support was being taken from his SSD benefit so how could they not have known? Thanks in advance.

Hi,

I have sole legal and primary physical custody of my great granddaughter. My daughter, child's grandmother died on 9/2/17. Child's mother is receiving social security for disability. mother nor father support child. Can gr granddaughter receive benefits under my daughter's social security record

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

About to adopt grandchildren, ages 12 and 8. I plan on filing for SS next August at 66. Benefits $2,688 per month. Wife plans to file at 70 in three years and get $3,027 per month. Question: I am told grandkids get $1,008 per month (175% of my number) when I file next August. Is that right? When one turns 18, does the other get $2,016 per month?
I will be happy to buy the software if you tell me that will get me to the best strategy/timing. Thank you.

Hi,

I am 66 yrs. old and have adopted my grandson. If I no longer have physical custody, he may move back with his mom, will he then no longer be eligible to draw social security from me?

Hi,

As your adopted child, your grandchild would not need to be living with you in order to potentially qualify for child's benefits on your record.

Best, Jerry

My son's father is 62 years old and my son is 7 years old. I was told that once his father turns 62 years old that my son would be able to collect social security. Is that true?

Hi,

Not necessarily. Your son's father must be receiving his benefits in order for your son to be eligible to draw benefits on his record (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0323.html).

Best, Jerry

Hi,
My son Padraig is 3 1/2 years old, an American citizen & he has a social security card. I am 63 , collect a city of Boston disability teachers pension but have money in social security from before I was a teacher. Around where I live many older guys collect social security hecks for their babies but I wonder does my situation, as a retired teacher, preclude this?
Thank you
Joe

Hi Joe,

I'm 61 retired my wife is 62 works part time we just adopted one grand child shes 2 and will be abopting her brother in jan hes 4 she was in state custody he is not. Can they get ssi there mother is on ssi.

Hi,

My 15 year old son receives a survivors check from his father. My husband was just approved for SSSI, will this effect my sons check, because he is a dependent on my husbands check.

Hi,

No, but if your son qualifies as a stepchild or adopted child on your husband's record, he could receive whichever benefit is higher.

Best, Jerry

At full retirement age (66) I filed and suspended my benefits. I have a son school age and he received dependent benefits. I am now turning 70 in July and will receive my full benefits. My son is 18 but has one more year of high school. SS states he will continue with benefits until completion of high school June 2018. Two questions: Will my son continue to receive benefits although I will receive my benefits when I turn 70 in July? Question number two. Will I be eligible for the 6 month retroactive payment? SS office I visited said yes.

Hi,

hi i will start receiving benefits in aug 2017. i have been married for 1 year in oct 2017.. i have one stepchild she is 9 can i draw benefits ..

Hi,

If you're asking whether or not your stepchild will be eligible to receive benefits on your record, the answer is maybe. Stepchildren must meet a dependency requirement in order to qualify for benefits on their stepparent's record. The basic requirement is that the stepchild must have been receiving at least 50% of their support from their stepparent over a 12-month period in order to qualify.