Child gets survivors benefits

[Christine51]

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. 

[Bsch4477]

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]

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