Social Security: Rules let children get Social Security check

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Q: "I have children at home and I plan to retire next fall. Will my children be eligible for monthly Social Security payments after I retire?"

A: A child (biological, legally adopted or dependent stepchild or grandchild) may potentially be eligible. Monthly Social Security payments may be made to your children if they are:

• Unmarried and under age 18,

• Age 19 if still in high school, or

• Age 18 or over, who became severely disabled before age 22 and continue to be disabled.

For more information, read Benefits For Children at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10085.html

Q: "Why is there a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits?"

A: The law states that Social Security disability benefits begin with the sixth full month after the date your disability began. You are not entitled to benefits for any month prior to that. Learn more at our website: www.socialsecurity.gov/disability

Q: "I found out that my son submitted incorrect information about my resources when he completed my application for help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. How can I get my application changed now to show the correct amount?"

A: You can call 1-800-772-1213 and let us know. Or you can visit your local Social Security office (find it by using our office locator at www.socialsecurity.gov/locator. Information on your application will be matched with data from other Federal agencies.

If there is a discrepancy that requires verification, we will contact you.

Submit questions to local Social Security Director Martin Coffey by writing to Business Editor Dave Flessner, Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or by e-mailing him at dflessner@timesfreepress.com.