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.
The loss of a spouse can be devastating, not only emotionally but also financially. Social Security helps ease this burden by providing survivors benefits to eligible family members. This guide will explain how these benefits work, who is eligible, and how to apply.
What are Social Security Survivors Benefits?
Social Security survivors benefits are monthly payments made to eligible family members of a deceased worker who was insured under Social Security. These benefits can provide financial support to surviving spouses, children, and even dependent parents.
Who is Eligible for Survivors Benefits?
Spouses:
- Surviving spouses aged 60 or older (or 50-59 with a disability) can receive full benefits.
- Spouses of any age caring for a child under 16 or disabled child who is receiving benefits can also receive benefits.
- Surviving divorced spouses aged 60 or older (or 50-59 with a disability) who were married for at least 10 years can receive benefits, even if they are not caring for a child.
Children:
- Unmarried children under 18 (or up to 19 if attending elementary or secondary school full-time) can receive benefits.
- Children with disabilities who became disabled before age 22 can receive benefits regardless of age.
Parents:
- Dependent parents aged 62 or older who were at least 50% financially dependent on the deceased worker can receive benefits.
How Much are Survivors Benefits?
The amount of survivors benefits depends on the deceased worker’s average lifetime earnings. The higher their earnings, the greater the benefits will be. You can estimate your potential benefits by creating a personal my Social Security account and reviewing your Statement.
Applying for Survivors Benefits:
If you are not currently receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply promptly for survivors benefits. You can apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide certain documents, such as:
- Proof of death (death certificate or funeral home statement)
- Your Social Security number and the deceased worker’s Social Security number
- Birth certificates and marriage certificates
- Dependent children’s Social Security numbers and birth certificates
- Deceased worker’s W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax return
- Bank account information for direct deposit
Combining Benefits:
In some cases, a surviving spouse may be eligible for both their own retirement benefits and survivors benefits. In this situation, they will receive a combination of benefits that equals the higher amount.
Working While Receiving Benefits:
If you are under full retirement age and working while receiving survivors benefits, your benefits may be reduced if your earnings exceed certain limits. However, there is no earnings limit once you reach full retirement age.
Remarriage and Benefits:
Generally, you cannot receive survivors benefits if you remarry before age 60 (or 50 if you have a disability). However, remarriage after age 60 (or 50 with a disability) will not affect your eligibility for benefits based on your former spouse’s work.
Additional Resources:
- Social Security Survivors Benefits website: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/
- Social Security Publication No. 05-10084: Survivors Benefits
- Social Security Online Services: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount
Social Security survivors benefits can provide much-needed financial support to families who have lost a loved one. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and potential benefits, you can ensure that your family receives the support they deserve during this difficult time. Remember, contacting a Social Security representative or financial advisor can provide personalized guidance and answer any specific questions you may have.
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.
Collecting Social Security When Your Spouse Dies: Survivor Benefits Explained
FAQ
When a spouse dies how much Social Security does the survivor get?
Can I collect my deceased spouse’s Social Security and my own at the same time?
Can you receive survivor benefits and your own?
What happens financially when your spouse dies?
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 a survivor receive Social Security benefits if a worker dies?
Just as you plan for your family’s protection if you die, you should consider the Social Security benefits that may be available if you are the survivor. For benefits purposes, we consider a survivor to be the spouse, child, or parent of a worker who dies. That person must have worked long enough under Social Security to be eligible for benefits.
Can I claim my deceased spouse’s Social Security benefits?
You cannot claim your deceased spouse’s benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement. If you qualify for both survivor and retirement benefits, you will receive whichever amount is higher.
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.