File an application for child's benefits on an SSA-4-BK or an electronic equivalent. For additional required forms if child is age 18 or over, see RS 00203.040.

The SSA-4-BK or the electronic equivalent is designed to obtain information (e.g., as to dependency) at the time the application is filed if the worker is living, or at the time of their death, since such information generally will suffice. However, there will be situations in which additional information will be necessary.

As appropriate:

1. a. 

   Obtain the necessary information, and

2. b. 

   Unless indicated otherwise, either:

   • •

     Incorporate it under "Remarks" on the application form or the RMKS screen in the Modernized Claim System (MCS); or

   • •

     Incorporate it on a Statement of Claimant or Other Person, Form SSA-795, signed by the applicant; or

   • •

     Record it on Report of Contact (RC) screen in MCS or on a Report of Contact form SSA-5002.

A new application for child’s insurance benefits is not required for surviving child’s benefits if:

1. a. 

   The child is already receiving auxiliary child’s benefits on the earnings record of a living number holder (NH) and the NH dies. SSA performs an automatic conversion from auxiliary child’s benefits to surviving child’s benefits when a death input is made for the NH.

2. b. 

   The claimant filed a child’s application prior to the first month of the NHs entitlement to Retirement Insurance Benefit (RIB) or Disability Insurance Benefit (DIB) and the NH dies prior to that entitlement.

NOTE: Form SSA-11-BK (Request to be Selected as Payee), or the electronic equivalent is required if the NH was payee for the child and a new payee is necessary.

Follow these guidelines for a child born after receiving a filed application on behalf of the widow(er), other children, or both:

Ordinarily, the parent or other person or agency responsible for the child's care and welfare will file the application.

The child should file on their own behalf in these situations:

1. a. 

   A minor child qualifies as payee;

2. b. 

   A child applies for student benefits, or

3. c. 

   An alleged disabled child, age 18 or over, is mentally competent.