Q & A
How are Social Security child benefits computed?
Answer: When you receive Social Security or if deceased, your children may qualify for benefits, including biological, adopted or stepchildren. Child benefits are the same for Social Security retirement, survivors or disability but amounts differ. If you receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, an eligible child can receive up to 50 percent of your full retirement age amount per month. If you are deceased, a child can receive up to 75 percent of your FRA amount per month. Use the Social Security Administration’s Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator to estimate your FRA amount. See www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/applying7.htm for retirement family benefits. Read more…
Source: Howard Kossover is the Public Affairs Director for Social Security for North Dakota and western Minnesota. Kossover is the Social Security public affairs specialist for North Dakota and western Minnesota. Reach him at howard.kossover@ssa.gov. Read his blog at socialsecurityinfo.areavoices.com.