{"id":353886,"date":"2017-01-25T14:36:13","date_gmt":"2017-01-25T19:36:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/basics\/social-security-survivor-benefits-for-children.html"},"modified":"2026-03-10T10:34:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T15:34:23","slug":"social-security-survivor-benefits-for-children","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/basics\/social-security-survivor-benefits-for-children.html","title":{"rendered":"Social Security Survivor Benefits for Children"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Social Security Survivor Benefits for Children<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Social Security <\/span>survivor benefits<\/span> may be available for minor children or children with disabilities following the death of a parent<\/span>. The monthly benefits<\/span> continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or longer if they have a disability.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Experiencing the death of a parent<\/span> or a spouse is overwhelming. Dealing with grief while worrying about a million other things can be stressful.<\/p>\n

If your loved one<\/span> contributed to monthly expenses, covering basic necessities may be a serious issue.\u00a0 The Social Security Administration<\/span> (SSA<\/span>) provides financial support<\/span> to children whose parents have died, retired, or have a disability.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In this article, you will learn which children qualify for survivor benefits<\/span>, how much they can receive, how long it lasts, and how to apply for it. If you need assistance navigating the Social Security system or have questions, contact a Social Security attorney near you<\/a>. They can help you understand the process and assist in ensuring you have a safety net<\/span> during these difficult times.<\/p>\n

What Benefits Does a Child Get if a Parent Dies?<\/h2>\n

When a parent dies<\/span>, their minor children and children with disabilities may qualify for monthly survivor benefits through Social Security<\/a><\/span>. As of January 2026, children eligible for survivor benefits<\/span> receive an average of $1,176<\/a> every month.<\/p>\n

These monthly payments<\/span> help families maintain financial stability during an incredibly challenging time. It often covers basic needs and assistance to help children continue their education.<\/p>\n

Who Qualifies for Child Survivor Benefits<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

To qualify for survivor benefits<\/span><\/a>, the parent who passed away must have earned enough work credits through employment and the payment of Social Security taxes<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

The number of credits required also depends on the\u00a0deceased worker<\/span>‘s age at the time of their passing. Workers who die at an earlier age can qualify with fewer credits. In general, a worker must have earned at least 40 credits<\/a> or worked for approximately 10 years to be fully insured.<\/p>\n

A special rule applies to children and spouses caring for those children. They can receive benefits even if the deceased parent<\/span> does not have the required number of credits. As long as the deceased parent<\/span> earned at least six credits within three years before their death, their survivors should be eligible to receive benefits.<\/p>\n

Other eligibility<\/span> requirements include the following:<\/p>\n