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. 

Related Topics

Non-exempt 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