Can my grandchild get Social Security survivor benefits if father isn't listed on birth certificate?

First, I'm very sorry for your loss. Yes, your granddaughter likely qualifies for survivor benefits even with this documentation issue. The SSA has specific procedures for establishing paternity when the birth certificate doesn't list the father. You'll need to provide evidence of the father-child relationship. This could include: - Court decreed child support documents - DNA testing results (if previously done) - School records listing him as father - His tax returns claiming her as dependent - Written statements from people who knew he was the father - Any acknowledgment of paternity he may have signed You'll need to gather as much evidence as possible before your appointment. And speaking of appointments - don't waste time on the phone. I discovered a service called Claimyr that gets you through to SSA right away. Check out their demo video at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or visit claimyr.com. It saved me hours of frustration when dealing with my husband's disability claim.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHY EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE LISTED ON BIRTH CERTIFICATES!!! The system is DESIGNED to make it difficult! My sister went through something similar and SSA gave her the RUNAROUND for EIGHT MONTHS before approving benefits. They kept asking for "just one more document" and then another and another. It's RIDICULOUS how they treat families already dealing with grief!!

I work with families in similar situations. The technical term SSA uses is "deemed child" when the parent isn't listed on the birth certificate. As long as you can establish the relationship, she's eligible for benefits until age 18 (or 19 if still in high school). Bring multiple forms of evidence to your appointment. The most compelling are: 1. Court-ordered child support documents 2. Prior DNA testing 3. His tax returns showing her as dependent 4. School records listing him as father 5. Medical records where he's listed as parent Also, bring your guardianship papers. Since you're not the biological parent, SSA will need to establish you as the proper representative payee. The benefit amount will be 75% of his Primary Insurance Amount (what his retirement benefit would have been at Full Retirement Age).

my daughter gets survivors from her dad and we get about $1,900 a month which helps SO much with expenses! but we had his name on birth certificate. i had to bring his death certificate, her birth certificate, my ID, her social security card, and they still needed our marriage certificate even tho we were actually divorced when he died. bring EVERYTHING you can think of to the appointment!

Update: I managed to find some old tax returns where he claimed her, and I've contacted his mother who has some old medical records that list him as her father. I'm feeling a bit more optimistic now. Has anyone done this application process recently? How long does it typically take to get approved once you submit everything?

my friends kid got like $1200 a month when her dad died last year and she was 15. they had dna test from when he tried to avoid child support lol. that backfired on him but helped her get benefits fast

I just realized - make sure you apply for any back benefits too! If he died in May and it's now... wait what month is it? August? You can get payments backdated to May when you apply! Don't leave that money on the table!

I was finally able to schedule an appointment for next week! I've gathered tax returns from 2018-2019 when he claimed her, statements from his mother and brother, and some school emergency contact forms where he's listed as her father. I also found an old hospital visit summary where he's listed as the responsible party and father. Hoping this will be enough. Will update after the appointment. Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone!

I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your son. What you're going through - grieving while simultaneously fighting to secure your granddaughter's future - requires incredible strength and courage. I've been following your journey throughout this thread, and I'm truly amazed by how thoroughly you've prepared for your SSA appointment. The combination of tax records, hospital documentation, family statements, timeline organization, and your legal guardianship papers creates an exceptionally compelling case for establishing paternity. What really stands out to me is how this community has rallied around you with both practical advice and emotional support. From Claimyr recommendations to suggestions about treatment facility records, social media evidence, and even Father's Day cards - everyone has contributed to building what sounds like an unshakeable foundation for your granddaughter's claim. Your dedication to honoring your son's memory through this process is beautiful. Despite his struggles with addiction, his work history represents years of contribution to the system, and ensuring his daughter receives those benefits is a meaningful way to let his efforts continue providing for her future - especially as she approaches college age. The 75% benefit rate for survivor benefits can make a real difference in her life trajectory. You're not just navigating bureaucracy; you're securing her educational opportunities and financial stability during some of the most important years of her development. Going into next week's appointment, remember that you've done everything possible to advocate for her rights. SSA has extensive experience with these complex family situations, and your thorough documentation should give them everything they need for approval. Wishing you both strength and success. Your granddaughter is incredibly fortunate to have such a devoted advocate during this heartbreaking time.