American retirees with underage children may be eligible to receive benefits based on their parents’ Social Security record, with the maximum amount being half of the full retirement benefits of the parents.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) updated its guidelines in May this year, outlining the eligibility criteria for applying. If one of the parents is retired or disabled and entitled to receive social security benefits, their children can apply. Additionally, children can also apply if one parent has passed away, had enough work credits, and paid social security taxes.
Qualified children must be unmarried and meet one of the following conditions: under 18 years old, 18 to 19 years old and still in full-time high school, or over 18 years old and disabled before the age of 22. Benefits for children in school typically continue until graduation or two months after turning 19, whichever comes first.
The SSA stated in the document that these benefits are provided to eligible family members to meet basic needs and assist children in completing their education.
The Wall Street Journal reported on this benefit and interviewed Betty McDonald, a 69-year-old resident of Del Mar, California. She and her husband were surprised to learn about this benefit. They have six children under 18 years old.
According to the rules of the SSA, while parents are alive, children can receive up to half of their parents’ full retirement or disability benefits. After the parents pass away, children receive survivor benefits, which can be up to 75% of the deceased parents’ basic benefits.
For example, if the full retirement benefit each parent could receive is $2,000 per month, a qualified child could receive up to $1,000 per month. However, there is a limit to the total amount the family can receive. The maximum family benefit is set at 150% to 180% of the full benefit of the parents. If the total benefits for all children exceed this limit, the SSA will proportionally reduce them so that the total does not exceed the limit, resulting in each child receiving less than half of the parents’ benefit. The parents’ own benefits are not included in the limit and therefore are not reduced.
The children’s benefits stem from the 1939 amendment to the Social Security Act, which introduced dependent and survivor benefits.
Analysis from the Brookings Institution shows that the percentage of children living with adults aged 62 and older has increased from 5.3% in 2000 to 10.5% in 2023. 62 is the earliest age at which one can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
Concerning retirement savings, a survey by Northwestern Mutual released on April 1, 2026, revealed that 48% of respondents believe they are “somewhat likely” or “very likely” to deplete their savings during their lifetime. The survey was conducted by Harris Poll from January 5 to 21, and included 4,375 American adults.
A report from the Social Security Trustees Committee released on June 9, 2026, predicted that the “Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund” (OASI) paying retirement and survivor benefits will be depleted in the fourth quarter of 2032. At that time, incoming tax revenues can only cover about 78% of the benefits due. When considering the OASI and Disability Insurance Trust Funds together, reserves are expected to be exhausted by 2034, with only 83% of the benefits payable at that time.