My little world of disability attorney
Children are eligible for Social security benefits when they are: • Unmarried, • Under 18, • Or are between 18 and 19 years of age, but still a full time student in elementary or secondary school, • Or are disabled and over 18 years old, with their disability having begun before age 22. Q: Can my children obtain SS benefits under my account if they do not live at home with me? If your children do not live with you, their ability to obtain benefits will depend on the specific relationship you share 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. A child is automatically considered financially dependent on you, regardless of where he or she resides, in the following cases: • He or she is your legitimate child • He or she is your adopted child • He or she is your natural but illegitimate child for whom a judge has issued a determination of support, or for whom you make regular financial contributions. 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 child's financial dependency upon you by providing: • Evidence that the child is eligible as your dependent under other programs (state and federal) • Old W2s and other tax forms showing that you claimed your child as a dependent • Bank records, cancelled checks, etc.