The idea of someone being “retired with children” may seem like the seed of another television sit-com or reality show. But the fact is that it’s becoming more and more common for older people to have minor children in their care — whether by bringing new children into the world, taking over the care of grandchildren or adopting children who need nurturing parents.
So it’s important to know that if you receive Social Security benefits and have minor children who depend on you, you might be able to receive benefits for them, too. This is true whether you receive benefits as a retiree or you receive Social Security disability or survivors benefits.
To get benefits, a child must have a parent (or in some cases a grandparent) who: is disabled or retired and entitled to Social Security benefits; or died after having worked long enough in a job where he or she paid Social Security taxes.
The child also must be: unmarried; and younger than age 18; or 18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12); or 18 or older and disabled. (The disability must have started before age 22.)
Within a family, a child may receive up to one-half of the parent’s full retirement or disability benefit, or 75 percent of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit. However, there is a limit to the amount of money that can be paid to a family. The maximum family payment can be from 150 to 180 percent of the parent’s full benefit amount. If the total amount payable to all family members exceeds this limit, each child’s benefit is reduced proportionately until the total equals the maximum allowable amount.
For example, if you are retired with a minor child and your benefit payment is $1,000 a month, your minor child could get up to half of that each month, or $500. However, if you had two minor children in your care, the maximum your entire family could receive would be between $1,500 and $1,800 — that’s $1,000 for you and between $250 and $400 per child.
Whether you receive Social Security benefits because you have a disabling condition, due to the death of a spouse or because you’ve reached retirement, if you have minor children, you’ll want to read Social Security’s online publication, Benefits for Children at www.socialsecurity.
gov/pubs/10085.html.
Speaking of retirement, this will be my last weekly column for the Tribune-Star. I am retiring after 39 years with the Social Security Administration. It has been a most rewarding career. I have had the opportunity to work in seven Social Security field offices, as well as completing several short term assignments in our regional office in Chicago and our headquarters in Baltimore.
I want to thank the terrific staff at the Terre Haute Social Security Office for their support and dedication in providing excellent service to the six counties we serve.
They have made my 17 years here very rewarding. I also want to thank the Tribune Star for publishing this manager’s column for some 52 years now!
Next week’s and subsequent columns will be submitted by Brian Hewitt, assistant district manager.
Finally, a big thank you to all of the Tribune-Star readers for your comments and support. It’s been a great ride!
Seniors
Social Security: Speaking of retirement…
- Seniors
-
-
Mobility devices under the ADA: free audio conference Aug. 21
The WILL Center will host a free audio conference on Tuesday, Aug. 21, on how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to "other power-driven mobility devices," some examples include Segways®, golf cars and all-terrain vehicles.
-
New definition places more seniors in poverty category
A Terre Haute woman in her mid-80s is a very good example of why a new Census Bureau measure reveals more seniors living in poverty.
-
Wabash Senior Center planning trips for all ages
Have you ever been to Europe? How about the Canadian Rockies? The Wabash Senior Center has reserved two very special trips for people of all ages. The first trip that the Senior Center has scheduled is Dec. 9-17 to “Europe’s Christmas Markets.”
-
Senior apartments complex opening this month
Dozens of Terre Haute-area seniors are lining up for the newly constructed Park Place apartments on the city’s south side.
-
Social Security: Beat the holiday rush: Go online
Another Christmas has come and gone, yet if you are like me there is still much you need to do during the holiday season. Probably the last thing on your list is spending precious time at a Social Security office, waiting to conduct business, especially if you don’t need to.
-
Protect yourself from Social Security number fraud
If you’ve been following the news over the past week, you may have noticed reports about Social Security number fraud, specifically that there is a 1 in 7 chance that someone else may have used your number.
-
Dine with a Doc Tuesday, Wednesday
Senior Education Ministries, Inc. has scheduled Dine with a Doc on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Senior Menu: Nov. 29-Dec. 3
-
Social Security: Open season for Medicare program
When you think of November, you may imagine such things as turkey dinners, family gatherings, or the start of the holiday shopping season.
But newly entitled and current Medicare beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan might think of November as the time for thinking about Medicare. -
Social Security offers many benefits, wealth of info for veterans
On this Thursday we honor our nation’s veterans for their service to America.
-
‘60 Plus’ group, conservative alternative to AARP, seeking to expand in Indiana
The chairman of a senior advocacy group hopes to tap into a concern over national health care to gain new members in Indiana.
James L. Martin said he started The 60 Plus Association in 1992 “as a competitor with the AARP [American Association of Retired Persons]. We are for limited government and are more right of center philosophically. The AARP is a more liberal philosophy. They sell a lot of products, we don’t. We’re hawking limited government and less taxes.” -
Planning to move? Don’t forget to contact Social Security
Moving can be hectic. Some studies show that relocating is one of the greatest stresses we face in our lives. Whether you are moving nearby or across the country, don’t forget Social Security if you are a beneficiary.
-
Agency hoping for Foundation grant
Terre Haute resident Mary Baker owns an automobile, but says she can’t drive it to Indianapolis to seek medical attention.
-
Groups need senior transportation info
There is a need in Vigo and surrounding counties for transportation services for medical purposes to Indianapolis, and there is a need for door-to-door evening transportation for seniors.
-
Dine with a Doc at Senior Center
Senior Education Ministries, Inc. has scheduled Dine with a Doc from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Wabash Senior Citizen’s Center at 300 S. 5th St. in Terre Haute.
-
Social Security: Ensure retirement, disability, survivors protection for farm workers
If you’re a farm worker, it’s likely that you’re busy right now.
The spring planting season has ended, but the farm work has only begun. - Senior Menu: June 24, 2010
-
Parkinson’s support group meeting Friday at Westminster Village
The Parkinson’s support group will meet Friday at Westminster Village, 1120 E. Davis Drive, Terre Haute.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: People agree, applying for Medicare online is quick, easy
We’ve been telling people how quick and easy it is to apply for Medicare benefits online – even if you’re not ready to apply for retirement benefits.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: SS helps survivors of fallen service members
Families of fallen military service members bear significant burdens from the loss of their loved one. Lives are changed forever. Aside from the emotional devastation, the financial hardships placed on such families can be difficult. Often, if a death occurs, a two-income household must make do with one income.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Attention students: Are you ready for your summer jobs?
Summer is right around the corner. Now is the time to plan for that summer job you really want.
Whether you find the perfect outdoor job at a summer camp or the local golf course, or you get to practice your people skills in retail, fast food or an amusement park, one thing’s for sure: Nothing’s better than having fun this summer while earning a few extra dollars. -
SOCIAL SECURITY: New 'twist' in law may help your mom
Mom has always been there to nurture and take care of you. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to give back and look out for her. If she’s having a hard time paying for her prescription drugs, tell her about the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and the extra help available through Social Security.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Call SS toll-free anytime
Telephones certainly have made our lives easier. Have you ever thought about what your life would be like without your cell phone? Now imagine life without telephones at all.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Here's to a green planet in retirement
Social Security has been practicing environmental stewardship since long before “going green” was a fashionable catch-phrase.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Ticket to Work offers free support services
Millions of disabled and blind Americans receive monthly Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payments. Some receive both. Most also have help in paying medical bills from Medicare or Medicaid.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Most convenient SS office is online
You probably don’t need anyone to tell you that times are tough for many people right now. The past year has seen a recession-driven increase in applications for Social Security retirement and disability benefit applications. These increases translate into busier offices and telephone lines.
-
Social Security has rich history full of facts
When you think of Social Security, you probably think about a monthly payment for retired and disabled workers. But Social Security has a rich history full of interesting facts.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: SS shares March reminders
Time goes by so quickly, it can be easy to forget important deadlines and even easier to let critical items fall to the nether regions of your to-do list. Whether you get to everything or not, time marches on — so we’d like to share some March reminders with you.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: SS launches Open Government page
In support of President Barack Obama’s Transparency and Open Government initiative, Social Security has launched a new Open Government Web page.
- Social Security: Been thinking about Medicare Part B? If you are covered under Medicare Part A but originally opted not to apply for Medicare Part B, now’s your opportunity to enroll in Part B. The general enrollment period runs from Jan. 1 through March 31.
- More Seniors Headlines
-
Mobility devices under the ADA: free audio conference Aug. 21
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Raw: Aussie Zoo Shows Off White Rhino Calf
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod
Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom
Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life
The all-new Xbox One
RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma
Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial
VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique
Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir
Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you
Reporter Cries Over Devastation
