In his recent speech at the Democratic National Convention, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged the vital role that Social Security survivor benefits played in supporting his family after his father’s untimely death. This testimony shed light on the significance of Social Security benefits for children who have lost a parent. According to recent data from the Social Security Administration, about 3.7 million children in the United States currently receive Social Security benefits.
Children can qualify for these benefits under certain conditions, such as being unmarried and under the age of 18, being a full-time student in grades 12 or below between the ages of 18 and 19, or having a disability that commenced before the age of 22. In the event of a working parent’s death, the Social Security Administration estimates that 98 out of 100 children in the U.S. could be eligible for benefits. These monthly checks are calculated based on the earnings of the deceased parent, with the average surviving child benefit amounting to $1,103 as of July.
Despite the availability of these benefits, many families are unaware of their eligibility for financial assistance. According to Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley, a significant number of orphaned children in the U.S. are not receiving the benefits they are entitled to, often due to lack of awareness. Joyal Mulheron, founder of Evermore, a nonprofit organization focused on bereaved individuals, emphasized that accessing these benefits could potentially lift children out of poverty.
Efforts are being made by the Social Security Administration to identify and reach out to families who may qualify for survivor benefits. These initiatives include sending information letters to households, establishing a dedicated web page on survivor benefits, and collaborating with states and communities to raise awareness. In states like Utah, proactive measures, such as adding a check box to death reporting forms, have been implemented to ensure that eligible children are not overlooked.
It is important to note that children do not have to live with a parent or receive financial support from them to qualify for survivors’ benefits. Additionally, surviving parents who care for children under 16 may also be eligible for benefits. Children with a living parent who is retired or disabled and eligible for Social Security may also be entitled to benefits, which can amount to half of the parent’s full benefits.
The calculation of benefits may be adjusted based on the maximum family benefit, which limits the total amount a family can receive each month. This amount is determined by the deceased parent’s earnings record and varies depending on the type of benefits being claimed. In some cases, families may miss out on these benefits due to various factors, such as changes in guardianship, immigration issues, missed deadlines, or administrative errors.
Improving Accessibility and Awareness
To streamline the process of applying for children’s benefits, it is crucial for the Social Security Administration to make these applications more accessible online. Families are encouraged to reach out to the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 if they believe they may be eligible for benefits. When applying for benefits, necessary documentation such as birth certificates, Social Security numbers, and proof of guardianship will be required.
Maximizing Social Security benefits for children requires awareness, timely action, and access to accurate information. By effectively leveraging these resources, families can ensure that eligible children receive the financial support they are entitled to, ultimately contributing to their well-being and future prosperity.