Currently collect $528 per child, 4 children, for a monthly child benefit of $2112. When the 2 oldest, twins, age out and graduate high school, will the two youngest benefits change to $1056 each, so that the monthly benefit remains the same? Or will the total monthly benefit drop down to $1056, the $528 per child for the remaining 2 children. And if the two remaining children now get $1056 each, do I have to inform S.S. Or will they figure it out when the two oldest are dropped. I get conflicting responses from S.S. i don't understand why. Thank you for you time and knowledge.

Hi,

Unreduced child benefits are payable at the rate of 50% of a living parent's primary insurance amount (PIA), or 75% of a deceased parent's PIA. However, there is a family maximum benefit (FMB) limit that can cause the child's benefit rate to be reduced when multiple children and/or a spouse are eligible for benefits on the same parent's record.

I assume from the amount of benefits payable that these are survivor benefits and that $2112 is the FMB, but I would need to know the PIA of the parent on whose record the children are drawing to be able to tell you how much your younger two children will be paid when the older two are no longer eligible. Each remaining child could be paid up to $1056 without exceeding the FMB, but they couldn't be paid any more than 75% of the deceased parent's PIA. So, if the deceased's PIA is less than $1408 (i.e. $1056/.75), then your 2 younger children's benefit rates will be lower than $1056 when their older siblings are no longer eligible for benefits.

If my assumptions are correct and the FMB in this case is $2112, I don't think that the deceased's PIA could be as much as $1408. Therefore, I believe that your 2 younger children's total benefits will be somewhat less than the $2112 FMB amount, but I can't tell you exactly how much less without knowing the PIA.

Best, Jerry