Social Security benefits to child outside marriage

[kfowler57]

Missouri

My son and his ex-girlfriend have a son. They never married. She didn't put his name on the birth certificate as he was irresponsible and had substance abuse problems. There was a court order for child support, although he's very much the dead beat dad.

My question is, if, God forbid, something should happen to my son, will my grandson be able to collect social security benefits from his father, (my son), if the birth certificate reads "father unknown", in spite of court ordered child support. I know she doesn't want his name on the b/c because she doesn't want him to take her to court for visitation, etc., but does that become moot after the child support order? Oops, I guess that was two questions. Not trying to start trouble for the mother, just want to make sure all angles are covered.
Thank you. Kathy

 

[Neal1421]

Missouri

My son and his ex-girlfriend have a son. They never married. She didn't put his name on the birth certificate as he was irresponsible and had substance abuse problems. There was a court order for child support, although he's very much the dead beat dad.

My question is, if, God forbid, something should happen to my son, will my grandson be able to collect social security benefits from his father, (my son), if the birth certificate reads "father unknown", in spite of court ordered child support. I know she doesn't want his name on the b/c because she doesn't want him to take her to court for visitation, etc., but does that become moot after the child support order? Oops, I guess that was two questions. Not trying to start trouble for the mother, just want to make sure all angles are covered.
Thank you. Kathy

If child support has been ordered, it has been determined that he is the father. If he has worked enough to earn SS benefits, the child will be able to receive the benefits if something happens to the child's father.

 

[ceara19]

Not putting his name on the birth certificate doesn't make a difference when it comes to visitation. Paternity has already been establish with the child support order. He can file for visitation at any time.