When Is Back Pay Possible

[MJM22]

My son's father passed away in Iraq in 2004 when my son was 1. The father was not listed on the birth certificate. We spent the next 8 years in court to properly determine paternity. A DNA test positively established this relationship in April, and just last week the judge ordered that the birth certificate be amended to note the father-son relationship. I am getting ready to apply for social security survivor benefits, but was wondering if they will back pay to the time of death or just until the court order was signed. Thank you for any advice or information provided!

[Janke]

Depends. Are there other children on the record? When did you apply? Some claims are effective with the filing date, not the date of the event. Better get busy and get it done before the end of June or you might lose out on another month.

[MJM22]

Depends. Are there other children on the record? When did you apply? Some claims are effective with the filing date, not the date of the event. Better get busy and get it done before the end of June or you might lose out on another month.

Thank you for your reply, Janke! His father has 3 other children, but my son is the only one not yet receiving benefits. My first appointment with social security is set for the 28th of this month. How do they determine which date to go by? I've tried looking online, but I can't find anything. I know that Alabama is going to issue an amended birth certificate. I was wondering if I wait for the new birth certificate and use that instead of the court order if it would make a difference when the back pay starts.