Nov
14
2011
By Guest (not verified)
My son is receiving survivor benefits from his father that has passed away a little over a year ago and currently I have gotten married. I was never married to his father but I am scared he will lose his benefits. Will my son continue to receive his benefits now that I've married?? Also, he has a sibling that was getting half but she is no longer receiving benefits due to certain circumstances; will my son start receiving her half now as well or what happens in these situations?
Thanks,
Inquiring mom
Effect of remarriage on child survivor benefits
Social Security survivor benefits to children are paid based on proven maternity/paternity and not on the marital status of the surviving parent. Your remarriage would have no effect on the benefits being paid to your son.
http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/ww&os2.htm#remarriage
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/439
I am not sure why the sibling would not receive benefits due to "certain circumstances". This sounds a bit odd to me.
There is a "family maximum" which limits the total paid to a family. When some children receiving survivor benefits become adults the remaining minor children can see an increase in the per-child benefit. I'm not sure if that is in play with respect to the other sibling or not.
http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/ifyou6.htm