Social security benefits, exploring in depth
Whether they live with you or not, your child will automatically be considered your financial dependent if you share any of the following relationships with them: • The child is your legitimate, natural child • The child is your legally adopted child • The child is your natural, recognized, but unlegitimized child, and either a court has made a determination of support, or you regularly contribute financially to support the child. If you have a recognized, illegitimate child who does not reside in your home, and for whom a judge has not made an official determination of support, you can give evidence of that child's financial dependence upon you by providing: • Evidence that the child is eligible as your dependent under other programs (state and federal) • Old W2s and other tax forms showing that you claimed your child as a dependent • Records that you made periodic payments for the child • Other proofs In the case of a stepchild, however, the child is considered financially dependent on you (and therefore eligible for benefits) only if he or she lives with you in a parent child relationship. As a guideline, your husband or wife's legitimate child, adopted child, or illegitimate child will be considered your step child. This step child will remain eligible for benefits after the death of or divorce from their natural parent (your spouse), as long as the child continues to live with you in a regular parent and child relationship. In any of the above cases, you can provide proof of your relationship to your child.