My daughter passed away and she has 3 minor children. She was never married to the father of the boys and my daughter had the sole custody of the children. The father never paid child support. Can I file for benefits for the children?
By Maria
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If the mother or father worked and paid into Social Security, the children may be able to receive Survivor benefits. You must apply at your local SSA office. Bring all birth certificates, marriage, divorce and custody documents, death certificate, etc.
You should go to your SS office ASAP as the date you file will be your "starting date". This is important as it may take several months (even a year or more) before their benefits may/will be approved.
Be sure to take all the documents noted by another responder but you may still need DNA tests also. Only the SSA can tell you what type of proof you will need for the children to be eligible for benefits.
Also, they can tell you if your daughter worked long enough to have paid enough SS credits for the children to be eligible for benefits.
Drawing SS benefits should not negate the responsibility of the father to pay some type of support for the children. This support may be pursued though your local family services division.
Also, there are other types of services available for children when needed but no finances are available. Be sure to talk to a counselor at your family services office.
It may be a good idea to discuss your problems with someone in your/any church as they many times have names of organizations that help in situations like this.
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