Ask Larry

Child Benefits

Can I Retire Early And Claim Benefits For My Minor Child?

I am a 65 year old non-custodial divorced parent, with a 15 year old minor child.
Can I retire early and claim benefits for my minor child, even if his Mother is claiming him
as a dependent on her tax returns? Or the term "dependent" not he same in the two cases?
This affects taxes, the Healthcare exchange, future scholarship applications and many other issues.
I am hoping I can find good employment and then suspend benefits. Thanks so much.

Hi,

Posted: 
Wednesday, September 2, 2020 - 09:52

Is It True That My Son's Benefit Can't Be Directly Deposited To A Joint Account?

I'm 65 years old, retired last summer and started collecting social security. I have a 17-year-old son who also started collecting a social security check as a dependent minor. Our checks went to the family checking account. I then had an automatic withdrawal and deposit to a 529 plan in his name that was managed by his mother. He turned 18 this summer and will be a senior in high school. I received a letter from social security stating that since he was turning 18, his check would be mailed directly to him.

Posted: 
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 - 11:41

Can My Son Get Any Help With College Tuition?

My son wants to go to college and his dad was killed in accident and he receives death benefit . is there any help for him in college tuition?

Hi,

Not from Social Security. Social Security child benefits end at age 18 unless the child is disabled or still in high school.
If a child is still in high school when they reach age 18, their benefits can continue until the earlier of a) when they graduate from high school or b) reach age 19.

Posted: 
Monday, August 17, 2020 - 10:18

What Happens When My Son's Benefits End?

My last son is turning 18 in October and benefits for social security end in October...what happens to the money and does it come back to me or does it just end.....thank you

Hi,

Your son's benefits will simply stop being paid when he's no longer eligible. Child benefits paid from the record of a living parent are auxiliary benefits. In other words, they are an extra benefit paid in addition to the parent's own benefit rate. Auxiliary benefits are only paid if an eligible family member qualifies for such benefits.

Posted: 
Monday, August 17, 2020 - 10:08

Is It True That My Son Will Continue To Receive Benefits When He Attends College?

Hi. I was told by a friend that since I am receiving social security benefits that my son who is currently a senior in high school will be able to continue to receive some financial benefits through social security when he attends college - is this true? Can you tell me how to apply for those benefits while he attends college? Could not find that info on soc sec site. Please help!! Thank you!!!

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, August 3, 2020 - 11:12

Are My Children Automatically Eligible For Benefits Off My Record If I Start Drawing?

I am 63 with 3 children (under 16) that are in the custody of my ex-spouse. Are my children automatically eligible for benefits off my record if I start collecting? Or do I need to prove a certain level of financial support (or other requirement) since they don't live with me full-time?

Hi,

Posted: 
Saturday, July 4, 2020 - 10:10

Will My Younger Child's Benefit Rate Increase When My Older Child Stops Getting Benefits?

Hello. Can you please help me with a question about my child's survivor benefits. My 2 youngest kid's father passed away in 2010. Supposedly, we were divorced the morning before his evening death. My kids were 9 and almost 3 then. My son just graduated high school and received his last check in his name. We got a letter saying it would be his last. They both have gotten equal amounts since then. I am wondering if she will get the entire amount now? They were both getting $1376 each.

Posted: 
Wednesday, July 1, 2020 - 08:56

Will My Son's Benefit Increase When His Brother's Benefits Stop?

My son 17, and his brother (not mine) receive survivor benefits from their deceased father. His brother who lives in another state, turned 18 and graduated from HS last month. Will my son's benefit increase? Or are the boys eligible through college until age 22?

Hi,

Survivor benefits can be paid to eligible children who are a) under age 18, or b) 18 to 19 and attending high school, or c) any age if they became disabled prior to age 22. A child who is age 18 or older and in college wouldn't qualify for survivor benefits unless they're disabled.

Posted: 
Sunday, June 28, 2020 - 10:16
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