RS 00203: Child's Benefits
TN 15 (08-11)
A. How to file Form SSA-4-BK
1. Filing an SSA-4-BK
File an application for child's benefits on an SSA-4-BK or an electronic equivalent. For additional required forms if child is age 18 or over, see RS 00203.040.
2. Supplemental information for the SSA-4-BK
The SSA-4-BK or the electronic equivalent is designed to obtain information (e.g., as to dependency) at the time the application is filed if the worker is living, or at the time of his or her death, since such information generally will suffice. However, there will be situations in which additional information will be necessary.
As appropriate:
Obtain the necessary information, and
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Unless indicated otherwise, either:
Incorporate it under "Remarks" on the application form or the RMKS screen in the Modernized Claim System (MCS); or
Incorporate it on a Statement of Claimant or Other Person, Form SSA-795, signed by the applicant; or
Record it on Report of Contact (RC) screen in MCS or on a Report of Contact form SSA-5002.
3. When a new SSA-4-BK is not required
A new application for child’s insurance benefits is not required for surviving child’s benefits if:
The child is already receiving auxiliary child’s benefits on the earnings record of a living number holder (NH) and the NH dies. SSA performs an automatic conversion from auxiliary child’s benefits to surviving child’s benefits when a death input is made for the NH.
The claimant filed a child’s application prior to the first month of the NHs entitlement to Retirement Insurance Benefit (RIB) or Disability Insurance Benefit (DIB) and the NH dies prior to that entitlement.
NOTE: Form SSA-11-BK (Request to be Selected as Payee), or the electronic equivalent is required if the NH was payee for the child and a new payee is necessary.
4. Posthumous child filing
Follow these guidelines for a child born after receiving a filed application on behalf of the widow(er), other children, or both:
| If... | Then obtain |
|---|---|
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Expected birth was not mentioned on application |
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Expected birth was mentioned on application |
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NOTE: If the widow(er) eligible for survivor's benefits does not file until after the posthumous child is born, secure a Form SSA-5-BK (Application for Mother’s and Father’s Insurance Benefits). |
B. Who should file for child
1. General information for parent
Ordinarily, the parent or other person or agency responsible for the child's care and welfare will file the application.
2. When child should file on own behalf
The child should file on his or her own behalf in these situations:
A minor child qualifies as payee;
A child applies for student benefits, or
An alleged disabled child, age 18 or over, is mentally competent.
C. Reference
GN 00502.000, Determining the Need for, Developing and Selecting a Representative Payee