Federal Funding Supports Social Security Benefits for Children, Designed for Eligible Individuals and Families.
The primary aim of the Social Security program is to establish a safety net for those who are retired, disabled, or survivors of deceased workers.
Its core function is to mitigate the financial challenges that can arise in these circumstances. Obtaining a job requires a valid Social Security number as mandated by the government. However, minors are typically not associated with Social Security benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for Minors Seeking Social Security Assistance
In most cases, young individuals do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial support. Nevertheless, there are specific situations in which the state does provide assistance to minors. Many minors find themselves in need of financial aid to support their education and cover essential expenses like hygiene, educational materials, and food, among others. To access this assistance, they must follow a set of guidelines.
Minors seeking Social Security benefits must meet two levels of conditions to qualify for financial support. The initial level entails specific requirements that the child’s parents or guardians must satisfy.
Parental Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, parents or guardians must meet the following conditions:
- They should have a sufficient work history and earned the necessary Social Security credits.
- They must be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, disability benefits, or have passed away.
Subsequently, the applicant themselves must also fulfill a set of conditions to become eligible for federal assistance.
Eligibility Criteria for Minors
To qualify for Social Security benefits, minors must meet one of the following conditions:
- Be under 18 years of age.
- Be between 18 and 19 years old and enrolled as a full-time student, not beyond the 12th grade.
- Be 18 years old or older and have a disability that started before the age of 22.
In special circumstances, stepchildren, grandchildren, grandchildren-in-law, or adopted children may also be considered eligible to receive Social Security benefits. The specific benefit amount can vary based on the minor’s living situation. Generally, it often equals 75% of what the parents would receive if they were to pass away or lose custody.
If the minor resides in a stable family environment without significant obstacles, the benefit amount is primarily influenced by economic factors and the family’s circumstances in these areas.