When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz accepted the Democratic vice presidential nomination, he shared a personal story that highlighted a vital safety net many families rely on: Social Security survivor benefits.
Walz’s father passed away when he was just 19, leaving behind substantial medical debts. In his speech, Walz emphasized how Social Security benefits played a significant role in helping his family maintain their dignity during such a challenging time.
However, many people, especially families with children, are unaware that Social Security can be a lifeline for kids who lose a parent.
This article will explore the importance of these benefits, how children can qualify, and why awareness about these entitlements is crucial.
Children Are Eligible for Social Security Benefits
When Tim Walz’s father passed away, Social Security survivor benefits provided much-needed support for his family. This financial assistance helped them navigate through a difficult period.
Unfortunately, many families are unaware that children are eligible for these benefits when a parent passes away.
According to recent data, around 3.7 million children in the U.S. receive Social Security benefits. These benefits can provide a lifeline for children who meet specific criteria, such as being under 18, unmarried, or students in grades 12 or below.
If the deceased parent had worked and paid into the Social Security system, their child could be entitled to a monthly benefit.
Despite the availability of these benefits, a significant number of eligible children are not receiving them. As many as half of the orphaned children in the U.S. could be missing out on Social Security benefits they are entitled to.
This is a critical issue, as these benefits could help lift many children out of poverty. Awareness campaigns and targeted outreach efforts by the Social Security Administration are essential to ensure families receive the support they deserve.
Raising awareness about these benefits is the first step toward ensuring that no eligible child is left behind.
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How Children Qualify for Social Security Benefits
Children can qualify for Social Security benefits under various circumstances. The most common scenario is when a parent who worked and paid into the Social Security system dies.
In such cases, the child may be eligible to receive up to 75% of the deceased parent’s basic benefit. However, the child does not need to have lived with the parent or received financial support from them to qualify.
In addition to this, the Social Security Administration also provides benefits for children with living parents who are retired or disabled. These children may receive up to 50% of their parent’s full benefit.
For children to qualify for these benefits, several criteria need to be met. The child must be unmarried, under 18, or a full-time student in high school up to age 19.
Additionally, children with disabilities who started before the age of 22 may also qualify. In some cases, surviving parents who care for children under 16 may also be eligible for benefits.
The amount a child receives can vary based on the family benefit limit, which takes into account the deceased parent’s earnings record.
Families need to understand these requirements so they can apply and ensure their children receive the support they need.
Why Many Children Miss Out on Social Security Benefits
Even though Social Security benefits are available for many children, countless eligible families miss out on them.
This can happen for several reasons, including lack of awareness, administrative issues, or immigration challenges.
For instance, when children switch guardians after the death of a parent, the new guardian may not be aware of the child’s eligibility for benefits.
Additionally, administrative errors or missed deadlines during the application process can also lead to lost benefits.
The Social Security Administration has been working to close this gap by making the application process more accessible and increasing awareness of these benefits.
They have introduced initiatives like sending information letters to households with potential applicants and creating a dedicated webpage for survivor benefits.
Furthermore, states are encouraged to include checkboxes in death reporting forms to indicate when the deceased had a minor child, ensuring that eligible families are informed about their potential benefits.
However, there is still more work to be done. Families need to be proactive in seeking out information about Social Security benefits, especially in the event of a parent’s death.
If you think your child might be eligible for benefits, it’s crucial to contact the Social Security Administration as soon as possible.
Ensuring that no child misses out on these critical resources is essential for providing stability and financial security during difficult times.
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Conclusion
Governor Tim Walz’s story is a reminder of how vital Social Security benefits can be for families who have lost a loved one.
These benefits provided essential support to Walz’s family after his father’s death, allowing them to maintain dignity during a challenging time.
Unfortunately, many families are unaware that their children may be eligible for these same benefits.
By increasing awareness and simplifying the application process, the Social Security Administration can help ensure that every eligible child receives the support they need.
If you or someone you know has lost a parent, it’s important to check if the children in the family qualify for Social Security survivor benefits.
These benefits can provide much-needed financial assistance and stability. To apply or learn more, you can contact the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website.
Don’t miss out on this crucial support—take action today to secure your family’s future.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com