Q&A: Do My Children Qualify for Benefits?

Q:  My husband will reach full retirement age in October of this year and would like to collect Social Security retirement benefits, even though he plans on continuing to work.  We have two sons, age 13 and 16.  Will they also be able to collect benefits?

A:  Yes, dependent children qualify for Social Security benefits if a parent is retired or disabled, until they reach age 18.  Furthermore, as a mother of a child under the age of 16, you will be entitled to benefits until the younger child reaches age 16.  At that time your benefits will end, but your child will be able to continue benefits until he reaches age 18.