About 2.7 million children receive Social Security and more than half of these children get benefits after the death of a parent who worked and paid Social Security taxes. 

Jack Myers with Social Security says in some cases, the child's surviving parent is eligible for benefits as well. The death of a parent can have negative financial, health, and educational effects on children and when tragedy happens, Social Security can help.

According to Myers, Social Security estimates Survivor's Insurance is equivalent to a life insurance policy with a face value of $930,000 for a younger worker with average earnings who leaves behind a spouse and two children. 

Myers explains Social Security bases the monthly benefit on the earnings of the deceased parent. The average surviving child benefit is more than $1000/month. Additionally, they pay benefits until the child turns 18 or 19, if the child is a full-time student in high school. 

Myer indicates the application for the Survivor's Insurance is not online so you'll need to call. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.

To learn more, visit our Survivor's Benefits and Parents and Guardians webpages on ssa.gov.