What are Social Security Survivors Benefits?

Social Security benefits are commonly associated with retirement, but they can also provide crucial financial support to family members after a person’s death. Survivors benefits can be available to various dependents and family members, not just widows and widowers.

Here’s how you can get started with applying for survivors benefits and determine if you qualify:

Social Security survivors benefits: How to get started

Upon a family member’s death, there are numerous responsibilities to handle, including notifying the Social Security Administration (SSA) as soon as possible. Although you can’t report the death online, you can do so by calling the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local SSA office in person.

Additionally, you may need to apply for survivors benefits to ensure they are correctly allocated to qualifying family members. These benefits can significantly impact the financial stability of surviving spouses or young children. As of August 2024, the average monthly survivors benefit is $1,509. Eligibility can include receiving the full monthly benefit of the deceased, depending on your relationship and age.

How do you qualify for survivors benefits?

You qualify for survivors benefits if you are:

• A widow or widower who is 60 or older, or 50 or older with a disability, and was married to the deceased for at least nine months before their death.
• Other eligible family members include:
  • A widow or widower caring for a child under 16 or with a disability who receives child’s benefits.
  • An unmarried child under 18 (or up to 19 if still in school full time).
  • A child 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.
  • Certain surviving divorced spouses.
  • Stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, or adopted children.
  • Parents of the deceased who are 62 or older and depended on the deceased for at least half of their financial support.

What percentage of Social Security benefits does a widow or widower receive?

The percentage of the deceased’s monthly benefit that a widow or widower receives varies based on their age and the deceased’s contributions. For those born after 1960, the full retirement age is 67. For those born before 1960, the SSA’s tool can help determine the full retirement age.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Full Retirement Age or Older: 100% of the deceased worker’s benefit amount.
• Widow or Widower Aged 60 to Full Retirement Age: 71.5% to 99%.
• Disabled Widow or Widower Aged 50 to 59: 71.5%.
• Widow or Widower of Any Age Caring for a Child Under 16: 75%.
• Child Under 18 (or Under 19 if in School) or with a Disability: 75%.
• Dependent Parents Aged 62 or Older: 82.5% for one surviving parent, or 75% each for two surviving parents.

In addition to the monthly benefits, you may also be eligible for a $255 lump-sum death payment.

When can a survivor collect Social Security benefits?

Survivors may be eligible to start receiving Social Security benefits as early as the month of the beneficiary’s death. It’s crucial to apply for these benefits promptly, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) notes that some benefits may not be paid retroactively. For instance, delaying your application for three months could result in missing out on those three months’ worth of benefits.

What do you need to apply for survivors benefits?

If you were already receiving spousal benefits before the death, you won’t need to file a new application. The SSA will automatically adjust your benefits to reflect the deceased spouse’s benefits. If you were not receiving spousal benefits, you will need to complete Form SSA-10 and provide the following documents:

• Proof of death
• Birth certificate or other proof of birth
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if born outside the U.S.
• U.S. military discharge papers if you had military service before 1968
• For disability benefits, Forms SSA-3368 and SSA-827, detailing your medical condition and authorizing information disclosure to the SSA
• W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax returns from the previous year
• Final divorce decree, if applying as a surviving divorced spouse
• Marriage certificate
• Your checkbook for arranging direct deposit

In Conclusion

It’s essential to notify the Social Security Administration and apply for survivors benefits as soon as possible after a loved one’s death. Survivors benefits extend beyond just spouses to include other family members, with the benefit amount varying based on age and relationship to the deceased. Timely application is key to ensuring you don’t miss out on any potential retroactive payments.