eligibility of child for dependents or survivors benefits

eligibility of child for dependents or survivors benefits Definition of Child Sec. 302. (a) Section 216 (e) of such Act is amended to read as follows: “(e) The term ‘child’ means (1) the child or legally adopted child of an individual, and (2) in the case of a living individual, a stepchild who has been such stepchild for not less than three years immediately preceding the day on which application for child’s benefits is filed, and (3) in the case of a deceased individual, a stepchild who has been such stepchild for not less than one year immediately preceding the day on which such individual died. For purposes of clause (1), a person shall be deemed, as of the date of death of an individual, to be the legally adopted child of such individual if such person was at the time of such individual’s death living in such individual’s household and was legally adopted by such individual’s surviving spouse after such individuals death but before the end of two years after the day on which such individual died or the date of enactment of this Act; except that this sentence shall not apply if at the time of such individual’s death such person was receiving regular contributions toward his support from someone other than such individual or his spouse, or from any public or private welfare organization which furnishes services or assistance for children.” Effective Date (b) The amendment made by this section shall apply with respect to monthly benefits under section 202 of the Social Security Act for months beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, but only if an application for such benefits is filed on or after such date.