Can a Child Receive Both Survivors Benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits?
Yes, a child can receive both survivors benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, but there are specific conditions to consider. Understanding these conditions will help ensure the child receives the maximum assistance possible.
Survivors Benefits
These are benefits provided by Social Security when a parent who has worked long enough to be insured under Social Security passes away. A child can receive these benefits if they meet the following criteria:
The child is under 18, or up to 19 if still in high school. The child is unmarried.Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources who are disabled, 65 or older, or blind. Children can qualify for SSI if they meet the income and resource limits set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Key Points to Consider
Income and Resource Limits
It's important to note that if a child is receiving survivors benefits, those benefits may count as income when determining eligibility for SSI. This could affect the amount of SSI benefits the child may receive. For example, if the child's monthly survivors benefit is $600 and the SSI federal benefit rate is currently $750, the child would receive an additional $150 in SSI benefits (after excluding the first $20 of unearned income). The remaining $580 of the child's benefit would count as income for SSI eligibility, resulting in a net SSI benefit of $170.
Combined Benefits
If a child is eligible for both benefits, the total amount of assistance may be adjusted based on the income limits. For instance, the maximum SSI benefit is currently $750 per month (increasing to $770 in 2018).
Application Process
Families should apply for both benefits separately and ensure they provide all necessary documentation to the SSA. For the most accurate and personalized information, it's advisable to contact the Social Security Administration or visit their website.
Additional Considerations
If the child is disabled, and the family's finances, including Social Security benefits, are not too high, they may be eligible for SSI. However, if the child is receiving survivors benefits, the parent's income might affect SSI eligibility due to the parent-to-child deeming rule. This rule considers the remaining parent's income to determine if the child meets the financial requirements for SSI, unless the remaining parent also receives SSI.
After turning 18, the child will undergo an Age 18 Redetermination to decide whether they meet the adult requirements for SSI. This process is more stringent because the SSA now looks at whether the disability prevents the SSI recipient from engaging in substantial work, a factor that is not a consideration for children who receive SSI. Additionally, the parent's income is no longer taken into account.
For some young adults, losing SSI eligibility can occur if the SSA determines their disability is no longer significant enough to stop them from performing substantial work. Conversely, young adults who were previously ineligible due to their parent's income may re-apply at 18 and qualify for SSI benefits, as the parent-to-child deeming no longer applies. In this case, the child's benefit under their deceased, disabled, or retired parent would continue as long as they were disabled before the age of 22. This is known as a Disabled Adult Child benefit, or Childhood Disability Benefit.
If SSA determines that the child does not meet the SSA's definition of disability as an adult, both SSI and the child's benefit would cease.
Given the complexity of this information, it's recommended to reach out to the Social Security Administration or consult with a professional for personalized advice.