Social Security Payments for Minors: Who Receives the Money?
Image: Bigstock
When a minor child becomes eligible for Social Security benefits — whether because a parent has retired, become disabled, or passed away — one of the first questions many families have is who actually receives the money? It’s a fair question, especially considering these benefits are meant to support a child but are managed by adults.
The answer is straightforward. Social Security payments for a minor are made but not directly to the child. The money goes to a designated payee — usually a parent or guardian — who is legally responsible for using the funds in the child’s best interest. The same structure is applicable for children receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Who Can Get Social Security Benefits?
While most people think of Social Security as retirement income, children can also qualify under certain conditions. If a parent has enough work credits and is receiving Social Security due to retirement or disability—or has passed away—their biological, adopted, or stepchildren may be eligible to receive monthly payments.
Children must meet certain criteria. They must be under 18, or up to 19 if still in high school full-time. If the child is disabled, they may receive benefits past 18, as long as the disability began before age 22. When the child turns 18, the SSA may review their eligibility to determine if they qualify for adult disability benefits. For caregivers receiving benefits while caring for a minor child, those caregiver payments typically stop when the child turns 16, unless the child is disabled and still requires care.
Although the benefits are intended for the child’s support, the SSA appoints a “representative payee”—most often the child’s parent, guardian, or another trusted adult. This person receives the money and is expected to spend it on the child’s current needs, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care.
If there’s money left over after those needs are met, the payee is required to save it, usually in a dedicated account for the child. The SSA does regular follow-ups and may require an accounting of how the money was used.
What About SSI for Children?
SSI is a separate program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is based on financial need, not work history. It is available to children with significant physical or mental disabilities expected to last at least a year or result in death.
For a child to qualify, the household income and resources are considered, and there are strict limits. For example, a child who isn’t blind can’t earn more than $1,550 a month, while a blind child’s limit is $2,590.
How Much Can a Child Receive?
The monthly amount a child receives depends on the parent’s Social Security benefit. Typically, a child can get up to 50% of the parent’s retirement or disability benefit. If the parent is deceased, that amount can rise to 75%.
However, Social Security applies a "family maximum"—usually between 150% and 180% of the parent’s full benefit amount. If more than one person is eligible (like multiple children or a surviving spouse), individual payments may be reduced to stay within this limit.
Applying for Benefits
You can’t apply for Social Security child benefits online. Instead, you’ll need to call the SSA to start the process. For SSI, the initial steps can be done online, but you’ll still need an in-person or phone interview. Be ready with documentation like the child’s birth certificate, the parent’s Social Security numbers, and medical records if you’re applying based on disability or death.
Getting a Social Security Number for a Child
If your child doesn’t already have a Social Security number, you’ll need one to apply for benefits. The easiest time to get it is right after birth, when you fill out the birth certificate paperwork at the hospital. If you apply later, you’ll need to submit proof of your child’s identity, citizenship, age and your relationship to them.
Use the Benefits Wisely
Social Security benefits for children are meant to provide real support—food, shelter, education, and health needs. It’s not just a check that shows up in the mail; it’s a financial lifeline for kids dealing with the absence or incapacity of a parent. If you're managing these benefits, you're not just receiving money—you’re taking on a legal and moral responsibility.