DNA Testing for social security benefits
Going through the process of acquiring social security benefits for a child of a deceased parent can sometimes be a stressful process.
Today, we will do our best to provide you with the latest information regarding social security benefits and the DNA Testing process in the event your family is required to provide proof of a biological relationship between a parent (father) and child.
What do I need to apply for a child’s survivors’ social security benefits?
When applying for benefits your assigned Social Security officer will require you to provide the child’s birth certificate, social security number as well as the parent’s social security number.
Depending on the type of benefits you may be required to provide additional documentation to social security. For example, if you are applying for survivor benefits for a child. Social Security will require you to furnish proof of the parent’s death by way of a death certificate. It is important to note, that parent’s name must be listed on the child’s birth certificate in order for the child to be eligible for survivor’s benefits. This is particularly important for fathers.
Mothers must move quickly in the event of proving paternity after death to social security is requested. You may be required to perform a paternity test. The most common DNA testing options available to families are as follows.
- Having a DNA sample collector collect a DNA sample onsite at the funeral home before the deceased parent is buried.
- Acquiring a DNA sample from the coroner’s office.
It is important to note that acquiring DNA samples for this type of situation is time-sensitive. So it is important that you move quickly. For more information on the required social security documents please contact your state social security office for more information.
How long will it take to receive my DNA result?
The turnaround for your DNA result will depend on the samples involved with your DNA test. For example, If the alleged father’s DNA sample was acquired from the coroner’s office. This type of DNA test may require 14-21 days to be completed due to the nature of the sample.
If a DNA sample collector was able to acquire a sample from a deceased corpse of the parent. The turnaround time for results will be 2-3 business days from the date on which the lab receives all of the DNA samples.
The last option is a family reconstruction DNA test. This may be required if the alleged father’s sample was unable to acquire from the previous two examples. Social Security may require the deceased parent, parent/s (grandparents) to perform a DNA test. If this is the case, the turnaround time for this type of DNA test can take 3-5 business days from the date on which the laboratory receives all samples.
To learn more about DNA Testing options IDTO DNA Testing Center provides assistance to provide proof of a biological relationship for Social Security purposes. Please contact our office today at 877-680-5800 for more information regarding your specific situation.
How to establish paternity if the father is deceased?
There are many different scenarios that can occur that may require paternity to be established after the death of a deceased father. Paternity Establishment is often performed on a deceased person when a child under of the age 18 seeks to acquire Social Security benefits or a child needs to prove biological relatedness to receive assets from the deceased estate.
How to perform a paternity test when a father is deceased?
There are several options available for the surviving next of kin to establish the paternity of a child. One of the more common options performed is collecting a DNA sample from the deceased alleged father. The common method used for site DNA sample collection at a Funeral Home is by hair follicle sample.
Other common DNA testing options:
If a deceased father is dead for an elongated period of time. Many people have opted for samples from the coroner’s office. Common samples blood card samples, tissue samples, or bone samples. If a bone sample is your only option. Please ask the coroner’s office or hospital if they have femur bone. Femur bones have the highest frequency of obtaining a DNA sample for genetic analysis.
If my father is deceased, Can I use paternity test results for legal purposes?
Yes. A legal paternity test can be performed with a deceased father. It should be noted when performing a legal DNA test the next of kin/executor must sign the chain of custody on behalf of the deceased father. In the event, that there is no executor of the estate to sign on behalf of the alleged father. Getting a court order requesting DNA testing be performed is the only option for a legal paternity test result to be produced.
What alternatives do I have if my deceased father has no available samples for DNA testing?
If there is no way to acquire a DNA sample from the deceased. The next available options are to perform a Grandparent DNA Test or a Sibling DNA Test. The two testing options mentioned are the most commonly used testing options.
If you are in need of Forensic DNA Testing services for a deceased alleged biological father. Please do not hesitate to call 877-680-5800 to schedule an appointment today.