Scenarios about Benefits for Dependents
Scenario
In addition to providing benefits to former workers, the Social Security program provides benefits to minor children and spouses of former workers. For example, your father died 3 years ago. He was the primary wage-earner for the family. You, your mother, and your 10-year-old brother all now receive survivor benefits from Social Security. You and your brother will each stop receiving benefits once you turn 18 (unless you’re still in high school, in which case you will receive benefits until you graduate, or until you turn 19, whichever comes first). Your mother will stop receiving benefits once your brother turns 16.
Scenario
Minor children (and adult children who were disabled before age 22) of workers can receive Social Security benefits once a worker retires and begins drawing benefits. For example, your 30-year-old brother was born with severe cerebral palsy and has required constant care for his entire life. He is unable to work, but does not qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because your parents’ incomes are too high. However, once your father retires next year, at his full retirement age of 66, your brother may be eligible for a “child’s†benefit, based on your father’s Social Security retirement benefits (which are calculated using your father’s Social Security earnings record and record of FICA payments.)
Scenario
Spouses and children are not the only relatives who may qualify for survivor benefits; dependent parents may also qualify. For example, your best friend’s parents recently died in a car crash. They were financially supporting your friend’s 80- and 82-year-old paternal grandparents, who lived with them. Your best friend is 20, and does not qualify for survivor benefits. Her grandparents, however, qualify for survivor benefits as dependent parents of deceased workers.