Hi, Larry.

I have 2 minor children both a US citizen. They father passed away January 2022, a veteran. I would like to know if they can potentially be eligible for survivors benefits? We are living here in the Philippines right now. Their deceased father has a wife and four minor children in the US. They are already receiving survivors benefits in the US so is the wife. But what about my children? If they are eligible, would it affect the family in the US the amount they are receiving? And even if we are here in the Philippines, can they still be qualify? Thank you

Hi. If your children are U.S. citizens, then yes, they could potentially be paid child benefits from the U.S. Social Security system even if they're living in the Philippines. But, if your children do end up receiving benefit payments it sounds like it would result in lower monthly benefit payments for their father's wife and other children. That's because there is a family maximum benefit (FMB) limit that can be paid from a deceased person's account per month, and if at least 3 survivors are collecting benefits on the same account then they must split the FMB between them. Adding your children to the number of people already collecting benefits would split the FMB more ways, lowering the benefit amount payable to each beneficiary.

In order for your children to receive benefits you must file a claim and be approved. If you can't contact Social Security directly, you should be able to apply through the Federal Benefits Unit in Manilla. Their contact information can be found on the following Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm#Panama0.

Best, Jerry