Social Security Survivor Benefits

[udbcrzy2]

Did you know in order to qualify for Social Security survivor benefits that the worker must have worked FULL-TIME for 6 quarters?

I didn't until I tried to get it for a small child in my care. The mother was killed at age 19 and had not worked long enough. She did have a job, but the job was only part-time.

I always thought that Social Security was set up to help orphaned children, but apparently it really isn't. And it's not true that the child can draw from their grandparents SS, because we have tried that too. They tell me that I would have to adopt, which in that case the child is no longer a grandchild, but your child. I'm so sick of arguing with them on the phone about it.

[jwirr]

1. Don't know for sure that this will work but try SSI or if you really need money try welfare. Both

are worth a try.

[elleng]

2. I'm not familiar with these rules but

suggest you not argue with them on the phone; seek counsel (if you think it might be useful.)

[Downwinder]

3. If there is a question speak to a lawyer.

[Person 2713]

4. I know Reagan era made a lot of changes to SS survivor benefits . Maybe this rule came in then

[mackerel]

5. Call your local county BAR association, they have a lawyer referral service

and get a referral to a Social Security Disability attorney. You can get a half hour consult at no charge.

[Baobab]

6. Ouch - About college benefits..

Until the 1980s, they used to pay for a child of an insured worker to go to college.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. There has always been some sort of minimum

work requirement for Social Security.

6 quarters is a very short time, considering that to get SS on your own its 40 quarters. Only working a short time, or only working part time isn't going to cut it. That sounds harsh, but SS was never set up to be a blanket coverage of all orphaned children. There has always been a minimum work requirement.