The death of a spouse is a difficult time for any family, but it can be worse for a family worried about finances. If your deceased spouse was receiving Social Security benefits at the time of death, or was eligible to receive Social Security benefits, you or your children may be eligible to receive Social Security death benefits.
Spouses and children may be eligible for Social Security death benefits.
Social Security death benefits may include lump-sum or ongoing monthly payments for spouses and children of deceased qualified wage earners. Spouses are generally eligible for full Social Security death benefits after retirement age or reduced benefits at 60. Disabled spouses age 50 or over may also be eligible to receive full Social Security death benefits.
Children of deceased family members may also be eligible to receive Social Security death benefits. Children under the age of 19 who are unmarried and still in high school typically qualify for benefits, and children who are disabled at any age may be eligible for Social Security death benefits. In some cases, adopted children, grandchildren or step children may also be eligible for benefits.
Social Security death benefits are determined by wages and time in the workforce.
Whether or not surviving family members receive Social Security death benefits depends partially on how long the deceased family member was in the workforce. Generally, families of people who work for at least ten years qualify for Social Security death benefits. In some cases where employees work fewer than ten years, surviving family members may still qualify for Social Security death benefits.
The amount of Social Security death benefits is primarily based on average lifetime earnings. The department of Social Security issues an annual Social Security Statement that estimates Social Security death benefits. If you're curious about the amount of benefits you may expect, you can check the benefits calculators on the Social Security's website.
One-time payment of Social Security death benefits.
In some cases, surviving family members may be eligible for a one-time payment of Social Security death benefits in the amount of $255. The surviving spouse must live with the beneficiary when he or she dies, or be eligible for Social Security benefits related to the beneficiary when living apart in the month of death. To receive the lump-sum payment, you must complete an application with a local Social Security office for survivor's benefits, and must return any funds distributed for the month of death. You may also be required to meet additional criteria.
Social Security death benefits are subject to a number of variables.
Social Security death benefits are subject to a number of variables over which you may have little control. The best thing you can do to ensure you receive Social Security death benefits is to keep good records, apply for benefits as soon as possible after the death, and provide all required documentation as quickly as possible. If you have questions about Social Security death benefits, contact your local Social Security office.
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