Social security benefits and the stuff nobody tells you
For a child to be able to obtain benefits under your social security account, he or she must be financially dependent upon you. A child is automatically considered financially dependent on you, regardless of where he or she resides, in the following cases: • He or she is your legitimate child • He or she is your adopted child • He or she is your natural but illegitimate child for whom a judge has issued a determination of support, or for whom you make regular financial contributions. If you have a recognized, illegitimate child who does not reside in your home, and for whom a judge has not made an official determination of support, you can give evidence of that child's financial dependence upon you by providing: • Evidence that the child is eligible as your dependent under other programs (state and federal) • Old W2s and other tax forms showing that you claimed your child as a dependent • Records that you made periodic payments for the child • Other evidence of the child's dependence In the case of a stepchild, however, the child is considered financially dependent on you (and therefore eligible for benefits) only if he or she lives with you in a parent child relationship. Generally, your spouse's legitimate natural child, legally adopted child, or illegitimate natural child will be considered a step child. This step child will remain eligible for benefits after the death of or divorce from their natural parent (your spouse), as long as the child continues to live with you in a regular parent and child relationship.