What Happens to Your Surviving Children Benefits Account When You Die
Quick Facts
SS survivor benefits
Up to 75% of parent's benefit
Health coverage
COBRA, Marketplace, or Medicaid/CHIP
Representative Payee
Parent receives child's SS
Step-by-Step Guide
Apply for Social Security survivor benefits
Minor children of a deceased parent are entitled to survivor benefits — up to 75% of the deceased parent's benefit amount per child. Apply at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Bring birth certificates and death certificate.
Become the Representative Payee
As the surviving parent, you receive and manage the child's Social Security benefits. No annual reports are required for parents (unlike other Representative Payees). Benefits are for the child's needs.
Secure health insurance coverage
If children were on the deceased parent's employer insurance, options are: COBRA (expensive but immediate), Healthcare.gov Marketplace (qualifying life event = 60 days to enroll), or Medicaid/CHIP (income-based, may now qualify).
Check dependent care FSA
If the deceased had a dependent care FSA through their employer, the remaining balance can still be used for qualifying child care expenses. Use it before the plan year ends — unused FSA funds are forfeited.
Document Now Checklist
- Children's birth certificates location
- Deceased parent's Social Security number
- Current health insurance policy details
- Whether dependent care FSA exists and balance
- Surviving parent's income (for Medicaid/CHIP eligibility)
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Start your vault — free for 30 daysLast verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Surviving Children Benefits. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Social Security
Social Security must be notified of death immediately. Benefits paid after death must be returned. Survivor benefits may be available.
IRS / Tax Returns
A final individual tax return must be filed for the year of death. Estates over $13.61M may owe federal estate tax.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Veterans are entitled to burial benefits, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate — all at no cost.
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