Social Security in Michigan?

Question

My mom thinks that if my sons father dies that my son will get a LOT of social security money a month - like between $3000 - $7000 a month. I live in Michigan, my son is only 3. His dad is not in his life much but paternity has been established and there is a court order giving me sole physical and legal custody. How do they determine if the child receives social security and how do they determine how much???

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

The survivor benefit is a percentage of the deceased's basic Social Security benefit, which is based on his lifetime earnings. The more he earned, the higher the benefit.

"The average monthly payment for a family consisting of a widow(er) with two children is about $1,400 per month." http://www.foreignborn.com/self-help/social_sec/6programs.htm#survivors

Answer 2

First, Social Security is a Federal program, not State, so the State of residence is irrelevant.

Social Security payments are based on an individual's work history and earnings. If a parent or legal guardian passes away before a child is 18, then the Social Security benefit is equal to a set rate (based on work history) per child and the monthly total for all family members is limited. I checked on-line and the maximum benefit right now is $1,686 monthly per child and $3,959 monthly maximum per family (not applicable in your case).

Answer 3

Well, your mom is WAY off. A child would get 75% of what ever benefit the deceased parent would draw based on what they have paid in to the system. If a person worked for 44 years (21 - 65) and earned the maximum amount subject to social security ($97,500 for 2007, see http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/COLA/cbb.html for other years) they would draw $2116 per month. A surviving child would then get $1587 per month. If his father is below retirement age (so has paid in for less years) or has made less than the cap the month benefits would be less.

Don't spend that money just yet, it won't be as much as you think.

Answer 4

First, soc. sec. is a federal program, so it doesn't matter which state you're in. Second, he wouldn't get anywhere near $3000+ if dad died. I would guess not even 4 figures (depending on how long dad worked).