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!

I went through this exact same situation 6 months ago! You definitely don't need separate MySocialSecurity accounts for your kids - that would actually be impossible since they're minors. What you need to do is contact SSA (either by phone or visit an office) and specifically request to file Form SSA-16 applications for each of your three children for auxiliary benefits based on your approved SSDI record. A few important things to keep in mind: - Each child can receive up to 50% of your benefit amount, but there's a family maximum that might reduce this if all three kids plus your benefit would exceed 150-180% of your Primary Insurance Amount - You'll automatically be appointed as their representative payee to manage their benefits - The benefits should be retroactive to when your SSDI began, so don't delay filing - You'll need their birth certificates, Social Security cards, and your approval information I'd recommend calling first thing in the morning or visiting your local office early. The process took about 6 weeks for my kids once I submitted everything. Don't let anyone tell you it happens automatically - you absolutely have to file separate applications for each child!

I just went through this exact same process with my two kids after my SSDI approval in December! You definitely don't need separate MySocialSecurity accounts for your children - they're too young to have their own accounts anyway. What you need to do is call SSA and specifically request to file auxiliary benefit applications for your dependent children on your approved record. Here's what worked for me: I called the national SSA number (1-800-772-1213) right at 8am when they opened and told them "I need to file SSA-16 applications for auxiliary benefits for my dependent children based on my approved SSDI record." Have all three kids' birth certificates, Social Security cards, and your approval letter ready before you call. The representative walked me through the applications over the phone for both my kids. You'll be automatically set up as their representative payee since they're minors. My kids' benefits were approved about 5 weeks later and were retroactive to the same month my SSDI started, so I got back payments for them too. One heads up - with three kids, you might hit the family maximum benefit cap which could reduce their individual amounts slightly, but you'll still get substantial help. Don't wait to file these applications because any delay means potentially losing out on those retroactive payments!

Hey Sean! I just went through this same process a few months ago with my kids after my SSDI approval. You definitely don't need separate MySocialSecurity accounts for your children - in fact, minors can't even create their own accounts. What you need to do is call SSA and tell them you want to "file Form SSA-16 applications for auxiliary benefits for each of my dependent children based on my approved SSDI record." That specific wording helps them understand exactly what you need. I'd recommend calling the 1-800-772-1213 number right when they open at 8am for the best chance of getting through quickly. Have your approval letter and all three kids' birth certificates and Social Security cards ready before you call. The representative can actually start the applications over the phone, which saves you a trip to the office. Each child can get up to 50% of your benefit amount, but with three kids there might be a family maximum that reduces the individual amounts slightly. Don't worry though - it's still going to be significant help for your family. The most important thing is to file ASAP because their benefits should be retroactive to when your SSDI started, so you could get back payments for the time since your approval. My kids' applications took about 6 weeks to process and I got several months of back payments for them. You'll automatically be set up as their representative payee to manage their benefits. Good luck and congrats on finally getting your approval after that long wait!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! My SSDI got approved two weeks ago after 14 months of waiting, and I have twin 8-year-olds that I need to file for. Reading through all these responses has been SO helpful - I had no idea about the family maximum or that I needed to file separate applications for each child. I tried calling yesterday but couldn't get through after 2 hours on hold. Definitely going to try the 8am strategy tomorrow with that specific wording everyone's mentioning: "file Form SSA-16 applications for auxiliary benefits for my dependent children based on my approved SSDI record." One question - has anyone had experience with filing for twins? Do I need to bring anything special since they're multiples, or just the regular birth certificates and SS cards for each? Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is a goldmine of practical advice!

I went through this exact same process last year with my 4-year-old daughter after my SSDI approval. Just wanted to add that if you do end up going to the office instead of calling, try to arrive about 15-20 minutes before they open and get in line. I made the mistake of showing up midday and waited 4 hours just to be told they couldn't see any more people that day! Also, bring copies of all the documents (birth certificates, SS cards, your approval letter) in addition to the originals. They kept copies for their files and it saved me from having to mail anything later. One thing I wish someone had told me - once your kids start receiving benefits, you'll get a separate debit card for each child's payments. They don't combine the kids' benefits into one payment. So you'll have your SSDI payment coming to your account/card, and then separate cards for each of your three kids. Just something to be prepared for when setting up your banking/budgeting. The whole process was honestly much smoother than I expected once I actually got connected with someone who knew what they were doing. Hang in there!

I just went through this exact process 3 months ago after my SSDI approval! You absolutely do NOT need separate MySocialSecurity accounts for your kids - minors can't even create their own accounts. Here's what you need to do: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 right at 8am when they open (best chance of getting through) and say exactly this: "I need to file Form SSA-16 applications for auxiliary benefits for my three dependent children based on my approved SSDI record." Have ready: birth certificates, Social Security cards for all 3 kids, and your approval letter. The rep can start the applications over the phone, which saves you an office visit. Important things to know: - Each child can get up to 50% of your benefit, BUT there's a family maximum (usually 150-180% of your benefit) that might reduce individual amounts with 3 kids - You'll automatically be their representative payee - Benefits should be retroactive to when your SSDI started - don't delay or you'll lose back payments! - Each child gets a separate debit card/payment, not combined - Process takes about 6-8 weeks once filed My kids got approved in 5 weeks with full retroactive payments back to my SSDI start date. The family maximum did reduce their individual amounts slightly, but it's still substantial help. Don't let anyone tell you it happens automatically - you MUST file separate applications for each child. Good luck!

I just went through this process with my two kids last month! You definitely don't need separate MySocialSecurity accounts for your children - they can't even create accounts since they're minors. What you need to do is call SSA and specifically request to file auxiliary benefit applications for each child. Here's what worked for me: Call 1-800-772-1213 right at 8am when they open (seriously, this timing makes all the difference) and say "I need to file Form SSA-16 applications for auxiliary benefits for my three dependent children based on my approved SSDI record." Have their birth certificates, Social Security cards, and your approval letter ready. The rep can actually process the applications over the phone, which saved me a trip to the office. Each child is eligible for up to 50% of your benefit amount, though with three kids you might hit the family maximum which could reduce the individual amounts slightly. You'll automatically be set up as their representative payee. Most importantly - don't delay! Their benefits should be retroactive to when your SSDI started, so you could get back payments for the time since your approval. My kids' applications took about 6 weeks to process and I got several months of retroactive payments. The earlier you file, the more back pay you'll receive. Good luck and congrats on finally getting approved!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact situation 6 months ago! You definitely don't need separate MySocialSecurity accounts for your kids - minors can't create their own accounts anyway. Here's exactly what you need to do: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 right at 8am when they open (this timing is crucial!) and say "I need to file Form SSA-16 applications for auxiliary benefits for my three dependent children based on my approved SSDI record." Have ready before you call: birth certificates and Social Security cards for all three kids, plus your SSDI approval letter. The representative can actually start all three applications over the phone, which saves you from having to visit an office with the kids. A few important things to know: - Each child can receive up to 50% of your benefit amount, but with three kids you'll likely hit the family maximum (usually 150-180% of your Primary Insurance Amount) which might reduce their individual payments slightly - You'll automatically be appointed as their representative payee to manage their benefits - Their benefits should be retroactive to when your SSDI began - so don't delay or you'll lose potential back payments! - Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks once applications are filed - Each child will get their own separate payment/debit card I got several months of retroactive payments for my kids because I filed right after my approval. The whole process was much smoother than I expected once I got through to someone knowledgeable. Don't let anyone tell you the kids' benefits happen automatically - you absolutely must file separate applications for each child. Good luck!

I just went through this exact same situation with my daughter after my SSDI approval last year! You definitely don't need to create separate MySocialSecurity accounts for your children - they're minors and can't have their own accounts anyway. Here's what you need to do: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 right when they open at 8am (this timing really makes a difference in getting through) and tell them "I need to file Form SSA-16 applications for auxiliary benefits for my three dependent children based on my approved SSDI record." Before calling, have ready: birth certificates, Social Security cards for all three kids, and your SSDI approval letter. The representative can actually process the applications over the phone, which saves you from dragging all the kids to an office. Important points: - Each child is eligible for up to 50% of your benefit amount, but with three kids you'll likely hit the family maximum (typically 150-180% of your benefit) which might reduce individual amounts - You'll automatically be their representative payee - Benefits should be retroactive to when your SSDI started - so file ASAP to get those back payments! - Processing usually takes 6-8 weeks - Each child gets their own separate payment Don't delay on this - I got several months of retroactive payments for my daughter because I filed right after my approval. The process was actually much smoother than expected once I reached someone who knew what they were doing. Congrats on your approval and good luck with the kids' applications!

I went through this exact same process with my three kids after my SSDI approval earlier this year! You definitely don't need separate MySocialSecurity accounts for your children - minors can't create their own accounts anyway. Here's what worked for me: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 right at 8am when they open (this timing is absolutely crucial for getting through quickly) and say exactly this: "I need to file Form SSA-16 applications for auxiliary benefits for my three dependent children based on my approved SSDI record." Have all documents ready before calling: birth certificates and Social Security cards for all three kids, plus your SSDI approval letter. The representative can actually process all three applications over the phone, which saves you from having to visit an office with the kids. Key things to know: - Each child can get up to 50% of your benefit, but with three kids you'll likely hit the family maximum (usually 150-180% of your benefit amount) which might reduce individual payments slightly - You'll automatically be appointed as their representative payee - Benefits should be retroactive to when your SSDI began - file ASAP to maximize back payments! - Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks once applications are submitted - Each child will receive their own separate debit card/payment I received several months of retroactive payments for all three of my kids because I filed immediately after my approval. The whole process was actually much smoother than I expected once I got connected with someone knowledgeable. Don't wait - every day you delay means potentially losing retroactive benefits. Good luck and congrats on finally getting approved after such a long wait!

I just went through this exact process with my two kids after my SSDI approval 4 months ago! You definitely don't need separate MySocialSecurity accounts for your children - they can't create accounts as minors anyway. Here's what worked for me: Call 1-800-772-1213 right at 8am when they open (this timing is key!) and say "I need to file Form SSA-16 applications for auxiliary benefits for my three dependent children based on my approved SSDI record." Have their birth certificates, Social Security cards, and your approval letter ready before calling. The representative processed all applications over the phone, which saved me an office visit. Each child is eligible for up to 50% of your benefit, though with three kids you'll likely hit the family maximum (typically 150-180% of your Primary Insurance Amount) which may reduce individual amounts slightly. You'll automatically be their representative payee. Most importantly - file immediately! Their benefits should be retroactive to when your SSDI started, so you could receive back payments for the months since your approval. My kids' applications took about 6 weeks to process and I received several months of retroactive payments. Each child will get their own separate debit card for payments. Don't delay - every day you wait potentially means losing retroactive benefits. The process was much smoother than I expected once I reached someone knowledgeable. Congrats on your approval after such a long wait!