Social Security

How Grandchildren Can Qualify as Social Security Survivor Beneficiaries

In the United States, over 2 million grandchildren are being raised by grandparents, and some of these children may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits under specific circumstances when the grandparent(s) pass away. Here’s an overview of the eligibility and key considerations:

1. Can grandchildren receive survivor benefits?

Yes, grandchildren can receive Social Security survivor benefits if certain conditions are met. Generally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows grandchildren to qualify if:

  • The grandparent(s) provided the majority of the child’s support.
  • The child was dependent on the grandparent(s) financially at the time of their death.
  • The child was legally adopted by the grandparent(s) or the child’s parents are deceased, disabled, or otherwise unable to support them.

2. Can grandchildren continue receiving their own Social Security benefits after the grandparent(s) pass away?

If the child was already receiving Social Security benefits on the basis of a biological or adoptive parent’s work record, these benefits would continue regardless of the grandparent’s passing. Survivor benefits from the grandparent’s Social Security can supplement or replace these benefits depending on eligibility.

3. Requirements for grandchildren to qualify as beneficiaries

To qualify for Social Security survivor benefits, the following requirements must generally be met:

  • The grandchild must be:
    • Under age 18, or
    • Under age 19 and a full-time high school student, or
    • Any age if disabled (with a disability that started before age 22).
  • The grandparent must have worked long enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits.
  • The child must meet dependency rules:
    • The grandparent must have provided at least half of the child’s support for at least one year before their death (unless the grandchild was born within that period).
    • If the grandchild was legally adopted, these dependency rules are automatically satisfied.

4. Where can grandparents and grandchildren seek help?

Here are resources to find assistance:

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):
    • Contact your local SSA office for specific eligibility requirements and to apply for survivor benefits.
    • Visit www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
  2. Kinship Navigator Programs:
  3. Legal Aid Organizations:
    • Free or low-cost legal advice may be available to grandparents navigating Social Security or guardianship processes.
    • Contact Legal Services Corporation for assistance in your area.
  4. Community and Nonprofit Organizations:
    • Local agencies like Grandfamilies.org provide tailored resources and advocacy for grandparents raising grandchildren.

5. Sources for further reading