If you have children under 18 — or under 19 and still in high school — they may be entitled to monthly Social Security survivor benefits based on their father's work record. This is a significant potential source of income that many families do not know about or delay claiming, and it is worth pursuing as a priority.
Here is what you need to know.
**Who is eligible:** your unmarried children under 18, or under 19 if still in high school. Children who are disabled before age 22 may qualify for benefits indefinitely. Stepchildren, grandchildren, and adopted children may also qualify in certain circumstances.
**How much:** each eligible child can receive up to 75% of the deceased parent's basic Social Security benefit. There is a family maximum, which limits the total amount all family members can receive combined — typically between 150% and 180% of the worker's benefit.
**What you receive as the parent:** if you are caring for a child under 16 who is receiving benefits, you may also be eligible for a parent's benefit of up to 75% of your husband's basic benefit. This is separate from — and in addition to — any survivor benefit you may receive based on your own age.
**How to apply:** call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office. You cannot apply for survivor benefits online. Bring the death certificate, your husband's Social Security number, each child's Social Security number and birth certificate, and your marriage certificate.
**Apply as soon as possible.** Survivor benefits are not retroactive beyond a limited window, and every month of delay is a month of benefits that cannot be recovered.
This is money your children are entitled to. Please do not let it go unclaimed.
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