Can children and students get Social Security benefits?

When a parent receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or dies, their child may also receive benefits. Under certain circumstances, a stepchild, adopted child, or dependent grandchild or step-grandchild also may qualify.

To receive benefits, the child must be unmarried and:

• Younger than age 18.
• Between ages 18 and 19 and a full-time student at an elementary or secondary school (grade 12 or below).
• Age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.