The short answer
Social Security can pay benefits to the minor children and certain dependents of a worker who is receiving retirement or disability benefits, or who has died. A dependent child can generally receive a benefit until 18, or 19 if still in high school, and longer if disabled before 22. These benefits can provide meaningful support to families, especially when an older parent claims retirement while still raising children, or when a parent dies or becomes disabled. Many families do not realize these child benefits exist.
So minor children and certain dependents can receive Social Security on a working parent's record, generally until 18 or 19 in school, or longer if disabled.
Who qualifies
Eligible children are typically unmarried and under 18, or under 19 and still in secondary school, and a child disabled before age 22 may qualify as an adult child. The parent generally must be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or be deceased with a qualifying work record. There is also a family maximum that limits the total benefits payable on one record. Our guide to a couples claiming strategy touches on how family benefits factor into planning.
The main criteria are the child's age and status and the parent's benefit status, subject to a family maximum on total benefits.
How it works in practice
When a parent claims retirement or disability, or dies, eligible children can receive a percentage of the parent's benefit, up to the family maximum. This can be significant for a family with a parent claiming later in life while children are still at home, or for surviving children. Because eligibility and amounts depend on specifics, confirm with the Social Security Administration. Our retirement income guide covers coordinating benefits.
The takeaway: children and certain dependents can receive Social Security on a parent's record, a valuable and often-overlooked benefit — check eligibility with Social Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children receive Social Security benefits?
Yes. Minor children and certain dependents of a worker receiving retirement or disability benefits, or who has died, can receive benefits — generally until 18, or 19 if still in high school, and longer if disabled before 22.
Who qualifies for a child's Social Security benefit?
Typically an unmarried child under 18, or under 19 still in secondary school, or a child disabled before age 22, when the parent is receiving Social Security or is deceased with a qualifying record.
Is there a limit on family Social Security benefits?
Yes. A family maximum limits the total benefits payable on one worker's record, which can affect the amount each dependent receives.
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