Social Security Parental Benefits: 5 Key Things to Know
Key Points
Parental benefits are available to those 62 and older if their deceased child provided at least half of their financial support.
Those benefits are worth up to 82.5% of the amount the worker was eligible for at the time of their death.
Contact the Social Security Administration to learn how to apply for parental benefits.
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It's no secret that Social Security provides benefits to retired and disabled workers, and most know that spouses and children can receive checks as well. But far fewer are aware that parents of qualifying deceased workers may also be eligible for a monthly benefit if they and their child meet certain criteria.
Here are some of the key things you need to know about Social Security parental benefits if you're thinking about applying.
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1. You must be at least 62 or older at the time
Any parent hoping to claim Social Security benefits on their child's work record must be at least 62 or older to apply. They don't have to be claiming their own retirement benefit or a spousal benefit, though.
2. Your child must have qualified for retirement benefits
A worker typically must have earned 40 credits to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, where you get one credit for every $1,890 you earn in 2026, up to a maximum of four credits per year. If your child worked for at least 10 years, they likely qualified. They may also have qualified with a shorter work history, depending on their age at death.
3. Your child must have provided at least half of your financial support
You may only claim a parental benefit on your child's work record if your child provided at least half of your financial support while they were still alive. You'll need to provide documentation proving this. Reach out to the Social Security Administration to learn what information you need to provide.
4. A parental benefit is worth up to 82.5% of what the worker qualified for
If a single parent is claiming parental benefit on a child's work record, they'll be eligible for 82.5% of the amount the deceased worker qualified for. But when both parents claim on their child's work record, each will receive 75% of what the child is eligible for.
5. Parental benefits aren't guaranteed forever
You may lose the ability to claim a parental benefit on your child's work record if you get married or if you qualify for a retirement benefit that's larger than your parental benefit. Reach out to the Social Security Administration if you have any questions about how a marriage or applying for your own retirement benefit could affect your checks.
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