Do children need separate SSA accounts for auxiliary benefits or are they linked to approved parent's application?

You don't need separate MySocialSecurity accounts for minor children. Their auxiliary benefits application is processed through your account as the parent/custodial guardian. When you file for auxiliary benefits on behalf of your children, you'll complete SSA-16 forms (Application for Disability Insurance Benefits) for each child, but they don't need their own online accounts. You'll need their birth certificates, Social Security numbers, and your own information since your record is the one they're drawing benefits from. The children's benefits will be managed through your account as their representative payee.

when i got my benefits my kids got approved like right after me maybe like 2 weeks later they just added it to my account i didnt have to do anything special they just asked for their birth certificates n ssn cards when i applied

The SSA automatically set me up as the representative payee for my kids. But you DO need to specifically apply for the children's benefits - they aren't automatically added even though you're entitled to them. You need to call or visit an office and specifically request to file for auxiliary benefits for your dependent children based on your approved record. Each child can receive up to 50% of your primary insurance amount, but be aware there's a family maximum that might limit the total. Have documentation ready for all three children.

i WASTED so much time trying to create accounts for my kids too!!! the whole system is SO confusing. when i finally got someone on the phone they were like "oh no we don't do it that way" like i was supposed to know already?? SMH

Congrats on the approval! Mine took 18 months!! They should have told you about filing for the kids when they approved you. Typical SSA dropping the ball...

To clarify some confusion in this thread: Children don't need MySocialSecurity accounts, but they DO need their own applications for benefits (Form SSA-16 for SSDI cases). These must be filed separately from your initial claim. The quickest way is to call SSA and specifically request to apply for child's benefits on your record. Have their SSNs, birth certificates, and your information ready. As others mentioned, there is a family maximum calculation that may limit the total benefits. For SSDI, this maximum is typically 150-180% of your benefit amount depending on your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount). Each child is eligible for 50% of your benefit, but the family maximum might reduce this proportionally. You'll automatically be appointed as representative payee for children under 18 unless there are special circumstances. If you haven't filed for the children yet, do so ASAP as there may be retroactive benefits available depending on when your own claim was approved.

u mite want to check about back pay too cuz my kids got benefits for the months i was waitin for approval

Make sure u take their birth certificates AND social security cards to the office!!! They wouldn't even start my kids' applications without both and I had to go home and come back cause nobody told me!!!!!

A quick update on the process: once your children's benefits are approved, they'll each receive a separate award letter. You'll be designated as representative payee, which means you'll receive their funds and manage them on their behalf. The children's payments will be sent separately from your own benefit payment. Once a year, you'll need to complete a Representative Payee Report (Form SSA-623) accounting for how you spent their benefits, so keep good records showing you're using the money for their needs (food, housing, clothing, education, medical expenses, etc.).

dont listen to bad advice in this thread. u ABSOLUTELY need to apply for kids separately, they DONT do it automatically when u get approved!!!! I learned this the hard way and lost months of payments

Just wanted to add my experience - I went through this exact same process last year when my SSDI got approved. The key thing is to call SSA immediately after your approval and specifically say "I need to file applications for auxiliary benefits for my dependent children." Don't just ask about "adding" them to your account because that confuses the representatives. You'll need to complete separate SSA-16 forms for each child, but you do this as their parent/representative - they don't need their own MySocialSecurity accounts. The whole process takes about 6-8 weeks once you submit everything. My kids' benefits were retroactive to the same month my SSDI started, so definitely don't delay! One tip: if you can't get through by phone, try going to your local SSA office first thing in the morning when they open. Bring birth certificates, Social Security cards for all three kids, and a copy of your approval letter. Good luck!