You are the second person in a month on Reddit that I've managed to actually convince they might not be getting their full SS benefit. A few weeks ago a widow with children under 16 didn't know that when: 1) the children are getting benefits on a deceased parents' record and 2) they were married to the deceased at death, then 3) they are entitled to benefits of their own (not just the child's) until the youngest child turns 16. So, glad I could help. I should note that some SSA workers also commented on this thread and said something about how it doesn't always work out to 50%...that's true, SS is filled with LOTS AND LOTS of rules, so things can offset this some...but your minor children should be entitled to a benefit if you are on SSDI. NOT if you are on SSI. The difference being SSDI is considered an insurance program which you paid into while working and SSI is considered a welfare program. And no, I have no idea how long it will take. It should be quick, but be sure to bring their birth certificates and your own ID. They may want other documentation but I suspect they'll definitely want those two things