Social Security Benefits for Children

The following information applies to children who receive Social Security benefits (based on a parent’s aged, deceased or disabled status).

• Benefits normally stop at age 18.
• If the child marries prior to age 18, benefits stop.
• Benefits can be continued until age 19 if the child is going to high school and has not received their high school diploma. Benefits stop at whichever occurs first:
  • The month courses are completed, if the child will receive their diploma before their 19th birthday.
  • The second month after the month the child turns 19.
  • The last month of the payment period or semester in progress when the child reaches 19.

Refer to Disability Based Income [W & I Code 11451.51]. 

Related Topics

Nonexempt Unearned Income

Income in Kind

Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Other Pensions

Social Security Benefits of a Minor Parent

Other Unearned Income

Child Support

Disability Benefits Other than Disability Based Income

Income from Property

Foster Care Related Income

Income Tax Refunds

Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB)

Veterans Benefits

Student Income