Full question: My brother-in-law was collecting Social Security for himself and two minor children. He has since passed; my sister-in-law is collecting money for the two children. She is 59 and is being denied benefits for herself because she is not age 60. Is she eligible to collect for herself since one of the children is 13 (younger than age 16)? She has been denied twice because she is not age 60!

Hi there,

Yes, survivor benefits may be collected for minor children under age 18, or 19 if still in high school.

Surviving spouses of any age may also be able to collect if they are caring for a child under the age of 16.

However, there may be other reasons she may not be getting this benefit and without having all the information we cannot say why. Our team of RSSA’s can put together a personalized Social Security plan to help your sister-in-law understand her eligibility and probable benefit amounts to give her a clear path moving forward. Schedule a consultation here.

Take care,
Martha

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