Father's Social Security Benefits Awarded to Daughter Born After his Death

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Dec 2, 2009 at 9:24 AM CST

Story Updated: Dec 2, 2009 at 9:24 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - A federal judge has ruled that a girl born almost two years after her father died of leukemia is entitled to the man's Social Security benefits.

A judge ruled that 6-year-old Brynn Beeler can collect Social Security survivor benefits. The girl was conceived through in vitro fertilization.

The federal government had ruled that Brynn was not eligible for the benefits, based upon an interpretation of a 150-year-old Iowa law written before technology was available to allow the preservation of genetic material.

If the decision is not reversed, the case could set precedent in the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, which covers Iowa and six other Midwestern states.

The court victory means more than $150,000 for Brynn's college education.

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