Child gets survivors benefits

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
July 31, 2024
2 replies
1 view

If a minor child gets survivor’s benefits due to a deceased parent, are those benefits claimed by the surviving parent? Also, at what point does the child have to claim them if they get a job at say 16 or 17? Thank you.

Ask the Experts - Dependents - July 2024

Bsch4477

Level 15

The benefits are the child’s. They would only pay tax if they had other significant income. See details here.

https://www.irs.gov/faqs/social-security-income/survivors-benefits/survivors-benefits

Jennifer_A

Employee Tax Expert

Most income is considered taxable income. That being said, social security benefits for children are taxable but usually not taxed because there isn't enough other income to create a tax liability. For example, a child filing as single can have benefits up to $25,000 before any type of tax calculation takes effect.

This article from the IRS gives a good summary https://www.irs.gov/faqs/social-security-income/survivors-benefits/survivors-benefits

Glad to be of service!Jennifer A.