When a parent or guardian dies, their dependents are sometimes entitled to Social Security benefits. After the funeral services end, applying for these benefits on behalf of your children can help you get the resources you need to care for them. The guide below provides an overview of what’s available in different circumstances.

What Benefits Are Children Entitled to After a Caretaker’s Death?

Children of a deceased person are eligible for up to 75% of the parent’s basic Social Security benefits. Children must be unmarried and younger than 18, or younger than 19 and two months if they’re still full-time high school students. A child who has a disability can be older than those ages and receive benefits for life as long as their disability was diagnosed before the age of 22. 

Dependent stepchildren and grandchildren may also qualify, but they must follow the same rules about being minors and unmarried.

How Do Payouts Work?

Payments are generally sent each month to the surviving parent or caretaker. The Social Security Administration can send a lump sum if the surviving spouse lives in the house of the deceased. If the caretaker didn’t live with the deceased at the time of death, they can apply for this special lump sum if they are listed as a beneficiary in the person’s will.

If you’re applying for benefits on behalf of children, bring their birth certificates, Social Security numbers, and the deceased’s Social Security number. You may need to show the parent’s death certificate and a child’s proof of disability from a doctor.

For compassionate funeral services and other grief resources, trust Arndt Funeral Home, LLC, in Rochester, NY. The family-owned funeral home has served the community since 1975. With a caring, attentive staff, they help people create the funeral services best suited to honor the lives of their loved ones. Call (585) 225-6350 to reach a funeral director, or visit them online for more helpful information.