Social Security Child's Insurance Benefits

Program Description

Social Security's Child's Insurance Benefits are federally funded. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) administers these benefits for children whose parent these qualifications:

Has worked and earned enough Social Security credits.
Is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or deceased.

When a parent becomes disabled or dies, Social Security benefits help to stabilize the family’s financial future.

Program Requirements

To qualify for this benefit, a child must be unmarried, dependent on the parent, and one of the following must apply:

Younger than age 18.
18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12).
18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.

In some cases, a stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or adopted child may also qualify for children's benefits.

To find out if you're eligible for any of Social Security's benefit programs, complete SSA’s Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool.

Once you've completed the eligibility screening questionnaire, you'll get a list of benefits for which you may be eligible. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

Application Process

Children and parents cannot apply online for child benefits. For application information, please visit the 'How to Apply' page below.

Contact Information

Visit SSA's Publications Page for detailed information about SSA programs and policies.

Benefit Categories

Family Social Security

Insurance Social Security

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