- A child must be under age 18, or 19 if still in high school, to qualify for survivor benefits based on the work history of a parent. A disabled child whose disability began before age 22 may qualify without age consideration. A child must remain unmarried to receive Social Security survivor benefits.
- Social Security benefits for a child are 75 percent of the worker's benefit at full retirement age. An unmarried spouse caring for a child may also receive 75 percent of the worker's benefit. A child's benefits stop the month before age 18 unless Social Security is alerted that the child is still in high school or disabled. The spouse or a child receives the one-time $255 lump-sum death benefit from Social Security independent of the survivor benefits.
- If you have the Social Security statement of your deceased parent, you can determine your possible monthly benefit as a survivor. The figures on the Social Security statement mailed annually to the home of all individuals over age 25 covered by Social Security show the full-retirement-age figure. You can multiply that figure by .75 or divide by four and multiply by three to determine the approximate monthly benefit for a child or spouse. You may also contact Social Security for assistance at the toll-free number. It handles some inquiries of this type over the telephone to individuals who prove identity.
- If a worker chooses to collect early retirement benefits in his lifetime, Social Security bases survivor benefits on the early retirement figure, and not the full retirement benefit. If several family members collect survivor benefits on one work history, Social Security maximum benefits apply. Maximum benefits collectible on one work history total 150 to 180 percent of the worker's total benefit. Once the amounts go over the maximum, Social Security reduces all benefits to keep within the maximum.