### Question
How does AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS define parent?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 402*, **parent** is defined as:

> the mother or father of an individual, a stepparent of an individual by a marriage contracted before such individual attained the age of sixteen, or an adopting parent by whom an individual was adopted before he attained the age of sixteen

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 402*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6-THE CHILDREN'S BUREAU > SUBCHAPTER II-FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS**

