More Social Security benefits are given to children than to any other social group. Children are eligible for social security benefits under the account of a parent, step parent, or foster parent that is either disabled or retired (and therefore eligible for Social Security benefits). Children can also be eligible for benefits under the account of their guardian if he or she has died after working and paying enough social security taxes to earn benefits.
Children can receive benefits if they are:
• Single, • Under 18 years of age, • Or are between 18 and 19 years of age, but still a full time student in elementary or secondary school, • Or, over the age of 18 and disabled before the age of 22.
Q: But, will my children receive social security benefits even if they do not live with me?
Whether or not your children can receive benefits will depend on your specific relationship with them. For a child to be able to obtain benefits under your social security account, he or she must be financially dependent upon you. Whether they live with you or not, your child will automatically be considered your financial dependent if you share any of the following relationships with them:
• The child is your legitimate, natural child • The child is your legally adopted child • The child is your natural, recognized, but unlegitimized child, and either a court has made a determination of support, or you regularly contribute financially to support the child.
If a court has not officially made a determination of support for a recognized natural child that does not live with you, you can show that childs financial dependency upon you by providing:
• Paperwork showing that your child is qualifies as your dependant in other state and federal programs • Old W2s and other tax forms showing that you claimed your child as a dependent • Bank records, cancelled checks, etc., showing that you made regular payments on behalf of or in support of your child • Other proofs
In the case of a stepchild, however, the child is considered financially dependent on you (and therefore eligible for benefits) only if he or she lives with you in a parent child relationship. Generally, your spouses legitimate natural child, legally adopted child, or illegitimate natural child will be considered a step child. This step child will remain eligible for benefits after the death of or divorce from their natural parent (your spouse), as long as the child continues to live with you in a regular parent and child relationship.
In any of the above child parent relationships, you can give evidence of the status of your relationship with your child. If you choose, you can also provide proof that you do not live with or contribute financially to the support of your child. This will make the child ineligible for benefits.

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