Children of disabled, retired, or deceased workers can receive monthly benefits until age 18.

These benefits can actually continue until age 19 if your child is still a full-time high school student. Jack Myers with Social Security indicates if your high school student receives monthly Social Security benefits as a child and will be turning 18 this school year, they need to take action to prevent stoppage of their benefits at age 18.

They should receive a form SSA-1372 in the mail, but if not, they can get one on the Social Security website - www.ssa.gov. Myers explains to complete page 2 and then take page 3 to a school official for certification.

According to Myers, students ready to start driving will most likely need their Social Security card to get their driver’s license. Start looking now for that card now as in case you don’t know where their Social Security card may be, looking now will give them time to request a replacement before they need it. 

Myers indicates they get a lot of calls from parents who realize the day before their planned trip to the DMV that they’ve misplaced their child’s Social Security card. He emphasizes it will take a few weeks to get a replacement, so it’s best to start that process early if you need to. If you need a replacement card, you can learn about how to get it at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber. 

Additionally, it is free, and your child can sign the form as a self-applicant which will prevent you from needing to provide your ID as parent.