Social Security survivor benefits for adopted grandchildren - need help switching to higher retirement benefit

First, I'm sorry for your loss. This must be incredibly difficult. You definitely need to notify SSA about the adoption - that's a required update regardless of any benefit changes. As for switching them from survivor benefits to your record, that probably isn't going to benefit them. Children's benefits on a retirement record are usually significantly lower than survivor benefits (usually 50% of your PIA compared to 75% for survivors). The family maximum might also come into play here and reduce what they'd get on your record. I'd suggest calling SSA to report the adoption and ask them to do a benefits calculation comparison before making any changes.

DO NOT SWITCH THEM!! Survivor benefits are almost always higher than dependent benefits on a retirement record!!! The kids get 75% of their dad's benefit amount each as survivors, but would only get 50% of your PIA (primary insurance amount) if they were on your retirement record. Plus with two kids and both you and your wife collecting, you'd hit the family maximum really quick and their benefits would be reduced even more!! Just notify SSA about the adoption so their records are updated, but specifically tell them you DON'T want to change the benefit type. The adoption doesn't automatically change their benefit type anyway, but some claims reps might assume that's what you want.

I think u should just call and ask them to do the calculation both ways. Sometimes its not as simple as what people are saying. It depends on the exact earnings record of their dad vs yours, the family maximum in both scenarios, and a bunch of other factors. My niece actually got MORE when she switched to her adoptive dad's record, so don't just assume.

Congrats on the adoption! But definitely report it to social security. They will eventually find out through system matches with state vital records and if you didn't report it, they might consider it an overpayment situation. Just tell them you adopted the kids but want to keep them on the survivor benefits from their dad.

I had a similar situation few years back. Tryed calling SSA for weeks!!! Always busy signals or on hold for hours just to get disconnected. Wasted so much time. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Way better than trying to get through yourself especially for something complicated like adoption. The agent I talked to was super helpful and ran all the calculations to compare benefits. Saved me from making a big mistake.

My cousin adopted her grandkids and they stayed on their mom's survivors benefits. She said they had to bring the adoption papers to the social security office and sign some forms. I think there was something about representative payee too since she was now officially the parent.

To directly address your question: Yes, you must report the adoption to Social Security as it's a legally significant event, but no, you almost certainly don't want to switch the children to your retirement record. Here's why: 1. Survivor benefits are calculated at 75% of the deceased worker's PIA per child 2. Dependent benefits on a retirement record are 50% of the worker's PIA per child 3. The family maximum would apply in both scenarios, but would likely be more restrictive on your retirement record because it would include both your wife's and your own benefits in the total family benefits calculation When you report the adoption, be very specific that you're only updating their status, not requesting a change in benefit type. Bring your adoption decree and the children's new birth certificates (if issued) to your appointment.

so sorry about ur son thats really tough. when we adopted our grandkids they told us we HAD to switch them to our benefits and we lost like $400 a month for each kid. later found out that wasnt true at all!! make sure u tell them specifically u just need to report the adoption but want to keep the kids on survivor benefits!!!!!

Just wondering - how old are you and your wife? If either of you are under Full Retirement Age and earn income, it could affect family benefits on your record (another reason to keep them on survivor benefits).