Social Security benefits are often associated with retirement payments, but in the unfortunate event of a family member’s passing, you may be eligible for survivors benefits under their account. While widows and widowers are typically the primary recipients of these benefits, other dependents and family members may also qualify.
Below are steps to apply for survivors benefits and determine your eligibility.
Getting Started with Social Security Survivors Benefits
When a loved one passes away, there are various financial obligations to address, including notifying the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the death. This cannot be done online, so it is essential to contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the nearest office in person to file a death notice.
In addition to reporting the death, you may need to apply for survivors benefits to ensure that qualifying family members receive the financial support they are entitled to. For surviving spouses and young children, these benefits can provide significant financial assistance. The average monthly survivors benefit as of August 2024 is $1,509, and depending on your relationship to the deceased and your age, you may be eligible to receive the full monthly benefit.
Qualifying for Survivors Benefits
If you are 60 or older (or 50 or older with a disability) and were married to the deceased for at least nine months prior to their passing, you are eligible for survivors benefits. In addition to surviving spouses, other qualifying relationships include:
- A widow or widower caring for the deceased’s child under age 16 or with a disability receiving child’s benefits
- An unmarried child under 18 (or up to 19 if enrolled in full-time elementary or secondary school)
- A child 18 or older with a disability that began before turning 22
- Certain surviving divorced spouses
- Stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or adopted child
- Parents of the deceased who are 62 or older and relied on the deceased for at least half of their financial support
Percentage of Social Security Benefits for Widows and Widowers
Widows or widowers receive a portion of the deceased worker’s monthly benefits, with the percentage varying based on their full retirement age and other factors. The full retirement age is 67 for those born after 1960. Use the SSA’s tool to determine your full retirement age if you were born before that date.
Here’s a breakdown of the percentage widows or widowers can expect to receive based on age and circumstances. The amount of benefits is influenced by the deceased’s contributions to Social Security.
- Full retirement age or older: 100% of the deceased worker’s benefit amount
- Widow or widower between the age of 60 and full retirement age: 71.5% to 99%
- Disabled widow or widower between the age of 50 and 59: 71.5%
- Widow or widower caring for a child under 16: 75%
- Child under 18 (or under 19 if in school) or with a disability: 75%
- Dependent parents of the deceased worker, age 62 or older: 82.5% (if one surviving parent) or 75% to each parent (if two surviving parents)
In addition to monthly benefits, a $255 lump-sum death payment may also be available.
When Can a Survivor Collect Social Security Benefits?
Survivors may be eligible to start collecting benefits in the month the beneficiary dies. It is crucial to apply for benefits promptly, as some benefits may not be retroactive. Delaying the application could result in missed payments.
Documents Needed to Apply for Survivors Benefits
If you were already receiving spousal benefits before the death, no application is required as your package will be automatically converted. For others, complete Form SSA-10 and gather the following documents:
- Proof of death
- Birth certificate or other proof of birth
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status (if not born in the U.S.)
- U.S. military discharge papers (if applicable)
- Forms for disability benefits (SSA-3368 and SSA-827)
- W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the previous year
- Final divorce decree (if applying as a surviving divorced spouse)
- Marriage certificate
- Checkbook for direct deposit setup
Conclusion
When a family member passes away, it is vital to notify the SSA promptly and apply for survivors benefits to ensure financial stability for eligible family members. The percentage of benefits received depends on age and relationship to the deceased. Applying without delay can prevent missing out on retroactive payments.