Social Security application question about 'benefits on your behalf' - Does this include childhood survivor benefits?
I'm filling out my retirement application and I'm stuck on this question that asks 'has anyone ever gotten SS benefits on your behalf.' My father died when I was 12 (I'm 62 now), and my mom received survivor benefits for me until I turned 18. Is that what this question is asking about? I wasn't sure if they meant benefits I received as a child or something else entirely. Don't want to answer incorrectly and delay my application!
16 comments
Join the conversation
Emma Davis
Yes, that's exactly what they're asking about. The question is trying to identify if anyone (like a parent or guardian) ever received Social Security benefits because of your eligibility. In your case, your mother received survivor benefits on behalf of you as a child after your father passed away. You should answer 'Yes' to this question. This helps SSA track benefit history across generations.
0 coins
Javier Torres
•Thank you! That makes sense. I was overthinking it and worried they were asking about something else entirely. Appreciate the clarification!
0 coins
Malik Johnson
Definitely mark 'Yes' on this question. This is about child's benefits that were paid to your mother as your representative payee after your father died. The SSA keeps track of all benefits paid on a person's record throughout their lifetime. Don't worry - this won't affect your retirement benefits negatively. It's just part of their recordkeeping.
0 coins
Isabella Ferreira
•my mom also got benefits for me when my dad died but i dont even remeber the details cuz i was like 5!! been worried about this question too since its been like 40 years and i dont have any paperwork from back then
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
I had the EXACT same question last year when I filed!!! I called SSA and was on hold for 2.5 HOURS only to get disconnected!!! So frustrating. Finally got through the next day and they confirmed what others here said - if your parent got $ for you as a kid when other parent died, that counts. Answer YES.
0 coins
NebulaNomad
•I had a terrible time reaching SSA by phone too when filing my application. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - saved me so much frustration when I had questions about my application. Worth it for the peace of mind of speaking to an actual human at SSA!
0 coins
Freya Thomsen
Does anyone know if this applies to SSI too? My mom got SSI payments for me because I had a disability as a child. Is that the same thing or different? The application questions are so confusing!
0 coins
Emma Davis
•No, this is different. The question is specifically about Social Security benefits paid on your record, not SSI. SSI is a needs-based program, while this question refers to benefits paid under the Social Security program based on a worker's earnings record. In your case, if your mother received SSI payments for you as a child with a disability, that's not what this particular question is asking about.
0 coins
Omar Fawaz
•Actually i think your supposed to report ANY benefits u got even SSI since its all part of social security. better safe than sorry!
0 coins
Malik Johnson
•To clarify, SSI and Social Security benefits are different programs administered by the same agency. This specific question is asking about Title II benefits (retirement, survivors, disability) paid on your earnings record or a parent's record, not Title XVI (SSI). If you only received SSI as a child, you would answer 'No' to this particular question about benefits paid 'on your behalf.'
0 coins
Isabella Ferreira
when i applied they got confused cause my stepdad adopted me after my real dad died but i still got benefits from my real dads record as a kid. the whole thing was a mess!!!! took them 4 months to straighten out my application so make sure you explain everything clearly
0 coins
Javier Torres
•Oh wow, my situation was much simpler than yours. I'm sorry you had to deal with that! I'll make sure to include a clear explanation in the remarks section of my application.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
WHY is everything with Social Security so COMPLICATED?! I swear they make these questions confusing on purpose. My sister answered this wrong and her application was delayed by TWO MONTHS while they sorted it out!!
0 coins
Omar Fawaz
•i know right!! and then when u try to call them its impossible to get through. spent my whole day off work last week trying to reach someone!
0 coins
Emma Davis
If you're unsure about this or any other question on your application, it's always best to include an explanation in the remarks section. Something like: "My mother received survivor benefits on my behalf from 1975-1981 after my father passed away." This additional clarity can help prevent processing delays.
0 coins
Javier Torres
•Thank you, that's a great suggestion. I'll definitely add that explanation to make things clearer. I'm hoping to get this application submitted by the end of the week.
0 coins