Q: What are the reasons for receiving social security benefits for your mother and why would they stop at 18?
A:
In the United States, Social Security benefits for a child may be available if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. These benefits help to ensure the child's financial needs are met. Typically, these benefits are available to children up to age 18, or 19 if they are still attending high school full time.
However, when a child turns 18, or graduates from high school if later, these benefits generally stop. This is because the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers 18-year-olds as adults, capable of supporting themselves. The only exception is if the child has a disability that began before age 22, in which case they may continue to receive benefits on their parent's record.
It's important to note that if you're caring for a child who receives benefits, and you're not the child's parent, the benefits usually stop when the child reaches 16. However, the benefits may continue if the child is disabled and you're providing care.
It's always advisable to consult with an attorney or contact the SSA directly for guidance specific to your situation, as there might be nuances or recent changes in the law that could affect your case.
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