How does caring for grandchildren affect Social Security?
There will be no reduction in benefits because a grandparent cares for a grandchild in any arrangement (power of attorney, custody order, guardianship order, adoption). In cases of formal adoption, the grandparent may receive additional benefits because of the existence of the minor child. If the grandparent dies after an adoption is final but before the grandchild is 18-years-old, a Social Security benefit will be paid for the grandchild until he/she is 18-years. If one of the natural birth parents was qualified for Social Security and has died, the grandparents who are caring for the grandchild may be able to collect the natural birth parent’s social security.
