Eligibility, Benefits Child Claim Requirements for Social Security Benefits

In order to obtain social security benefits for a child, all requirements for eligibility must be met. This article will provide an essential list of information you'll need for your child's Social Security Application. You may require additional documentation if you are seeking to apply for benefits for yourself, spouse or divorced spouse.

Additional Items Needed for Children's Benefits

Name, date of birth, citizenship status and social security number of the child;
Information pertaining to the relationship of the child to you (natural born child, adopted child, stepchild, etc.) and the Social Security benefits recipient (the person working and through whom benefits are provided – this could be yourself, a divorced spouse or other);

• Whether you are a natural or adoptive parent – if adopted, dates of adoption by you or the benefits recipient;
• If older than 16, whether the child is a student or disabled;
• Whether the child has a legal guardian;
• Whether anyone else has filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) on behalf of the child;
• Whether the child has been married and relevant information on marital status;
• The child's earnings for the past and current year and estimate for the following year;
• Your criminal history, such as whether you have been convicted of a felony.
• Whether your child has any outstanding arrest warrants for felony crimes or violations of parole or probation conditions;
• Whether you have ever been paid as a representative for someone else's Social Security benefits;
• With regard to the Social Security benefits recipient:
  • Whether someone other than the benefits recipient has adopted the child;
  • Whether the child lived with you or the benefits recipient for each of the past 13 months;
  • If the child is a stepchild, information regarding the marriage of the child's parent and the benefits recipient;

What If Your Child's Benefits Claim is Denied?

In the event you are having difficult with your child's Social Security benefits application or it has been denied, you may wish to discuss your problems with an expert and also consider filing an appeal. In most circumstances, there is no up-front cost to retain the assistance of an Social Security lawyer. The lawyer works on a contingency basis and is only paid if and after your child is awarded Social Security benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA also approves the lawyer's fees.