Social Security survivors benefits are given to dependents of qualified workers as well as widows and widowers. This benefit is particularly important for young families with children.
This page can assist you in understanding what to anticipate from Social Security in the event that you or a loved one passes away by providing comprehensive information about survivors benefits.
When a husband passes away, his wife may be eligible to receive Social Security survivors benefits, including disability benefits if he was receiving them at the time of his death. However, the eligibility and benefit amount depend on several factors, including the wife’s age, marital status, and the deceased husband’s work history.
Eligibility for Survivors Benefits:
A wife can receive survivors benefits if her husband met the following requirements:
- Earned enough Social Security credits: The deceased husband must have earned at least 40 Social Security credits, typically equivalent to 10 years of work.
- Was insured for disability benefits: If the wife is claiming disability benefits based on her husband’s record, he must have been insured for disability at the time of his death. This means he must have worked for a certain period and paid Social Security taxes.
Types of Survivors Benefits:
There are several types of survivors benefits a wife may be eligible for:
- Widow’s benefits: A widow can receive full benefits at her full retirement age, which varies depending on her birth year. She can also receive reduced benefits as early as age 60 or disability benefits if she is disabled and meets certain requirements.
- Widower’s benefits: A widower can receive benefits under similar conditions as a widow.
- Surviving divorced spouse benefits: A surviving divorced spouse may be eligible for benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and the deceased spouse was insured for retirement or disability benefits.
- Children’s benefits: Unmarried children under 18 (or up to 19 if attending school full-time) or disabled children of the deceased can receive benefits.
- Parent’s benefits: Parents who were dependent on the deceased and meet certain age and income requirements may be eligible for benefits.
Benefit Amount:
The amount of survivors benefits a wife receives depends on several factors, including:
- The deceased husband’s average lifetime earnings: The higher his earnings, the higher the potential benefit amount.
- The wife’s age: Benefits are typically reduced if claimed before full retirement age.
- The number of eligible survivors: The total benefit amount is divided among all eligible survivors.
Disability Benefits for Widows:
If the deceased husband was receiving Social Security disability benefits, his widow may be eligible for disability benefits as a surviving spouse. To qualify, she must meet the following requirements:
- Be unmarried.
- Be at least 50 years old.
- Have been disabled for at least one year before the husband’s death.
- Be disabled before or within seven years of the husband’s death.
Application Process:
To apply for survivors benefits, the wife should contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website at www.ssa.gov. She will need to provide documentation, such as the deceased husband’s Social Security number, death certificate, and marriage certificate.
Additional Considerations:
- Remarriage: If the wife remarries before age 60 (or 50 if disabled), she will generally lose eligibility for survivors benefits.
- Earnings limits: There are limits on how much a beneficiary can earn while receiving benefits without affecting their payments.
- Taxes: Survivors benefits may be taxable depending on the beneficiary’s total income.
When a husband dies, his wife may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits, including disability benefits if he was receiving them. The eligibility and benefit amount depend on various factors, and it’s essential to contact the SSA for personalized guidance and application assistance.
Apply for Survivors Benefits
You should notify us immediately when a person dies. Nevertheless, you are unable to apply for survivors benefits or report a death online.
The funeral home will usually notify us of the person’s passing. If you want the funeral home to file the report, you should provide them with the deceased person’s Social Security number.
To file a benefit application or report a death, contact 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). A Social Security representative is available to speak with between 8:00 a m. – 7:00 p. m. Monday through Friday. Using our Social Security Office Locator and looking under Social Security Office Information, you can find the phone number for your local office. The toll-free “Office” number is your local office.
Benefits may not always be retroactive, so if you are not receiving them, you should apply for survivors benefits as soon as possible.
If your parents’ or spouse’s record shows that you are receiving benefits:
- In most cases, you won’t have to submit an application to receive survivors benefits.
- As soon as we learn of your death, we’ll instantly convert any monthly benefits you receive to survivors benefits.
- The Special Lump-Sum Death Payment might be paid by us automatically.
If your record shows that you are receiving retirement or disability benefits:
- You will need to apply for the survivors benefits.
- We will investigate your eligibility for a higher benefit as a widow or widower.
The Basics About Survivors Benefits
Your family members may receive survivors benefits if you die. A portion of the taxes you pay into Social Security if you are employed go toward survivor benefits. Depending on your income, your parents, spouse, and kids may be eligible for benefits.
You may receive survivors benefits when a family member dies. Benefits may be available to you and your family based on the wages of a deceased worker. The deceased person’s length of employment is a requirement for receiving benefits.
Please read How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies for more details.
SURVIVOR BENEFITS : WHEN A HUSBAND DIES DOES THE WIFE GET HIS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
FAQ
Can a wife collect husband’s disability?
What is the Social Security benefit for the spouse of a deceased husband?
What happens to my husbands disability when he dies?
How much does a widow get from Social Security disability?
What happens if my spouse dies on social security?
Social Security would reduce your benefit by $16,000. If your benefit is below $16,000 a year, you will not receive benefits. If your spouse dies and you have children with them under the age of 16, then (regardless of your own age), you can receive up to 75% of your spouse’s benefit.
Can I get Social Security disability if my spouse dies?
When a spouse dies, you may be able to receive Social Security disability benefits. Find out how Social Security disability works when your spouse passes. The loss of a spouse is difficult enough, but along with it, there are financial issues to sort out.
Can a widow receive Social Security benefits if a spouse dies?
If you are a widow (or your ex-spouse died), you may be eligible to receive benefits on your late spouse’s, or ex-spouse’s, Social Security record. How much you receive will depend on your age, the amount of benefits you may receive on your own record, and whether you have dependent children.
Can a surviving spouse apply for Social Security benefits?
We have some information to assist you in applying for benefits as a surviving spouse. If you are a widow (or your ex-spouse died), you may be eligible to receive benefits on your late spouse’s, or ex-spouse’s, Social Security record.