Understanding Social Security Survivor Benefits & How They Work

The Social Security Survivor’s Benefits Hub

Losing a loved one is difficult, and navigating the financial impact can add stress during an already challenging time. Social Security survivor benefits provide financial support to eligible family members of deceased workers who paid into the Social Security system. These benefits can help surviving spouses, children, and sometimes even dependent parents maintain financial stability.

This hub covers who qualifies for survivor benefits, how they are calculated, and what steps you need to take to claim them.

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Table of Contents

Key Things To Know

Social Security survivor benefits are available to certain family members of a deceased worker who earned enough work credits. Understanding who qualifies and how benefits are calculated can help ensure you or your loved ones receive the financial support they are entitled to.

  • Surviving spouses can claim benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if disabled), but waiting until full retirement age results in a larger monthly payment.
  • Children under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school) may qualify for benefits. If the child is disabled, they may continue receiving benefits into adulthood.
  • Dependent parents aged 62 or older may be eligible for benefits if they relied on the deceased worker for financial support.
  • Survivor benefits do not reduce your own Social Security benefits. If you qualify for both survivor benefits and your own retirement benefits, you may be able to switch between them at different times.
  • Remarrying before age 60 (or 50 if disabled) may affect eligibility. However, remarrying after age 60 does not impact survivor benefits.
  • A one-time death benefit of $255 is available to a surviving spouse or child. This small lump sum payment is separate from monthly benefits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Social Security survivor benefits can be an essential financial resource for families who lose a loved one. Knowing the eligibility rules, application process, and potential benefits can help you make informed decisions.

You may be eligible if you are:

  • A surviving spouse (widow or widower)
  • A divorced spouse (if the marriage lasted at least 10 years)
  • A child under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school)
  • A child of any age with a disability that began before age 22

The amount a survivor receives is based on:

  • The deceased worker’s lifetime earnings
  • The survivor’s age and relationship to the deceased
  • Whether the survivor is receiving other Social Security benefits

A surviving spouse may receive:

  • 100% of the deceased’s benefit at full retirement age
  • Between 71.5% and 99% if they claim before full retirement age
  • 75% for eligible children and dependent parents

  • If you remarry before age 60, you generally cannot receive survivor benefits.
  • If you remarry after age 60 (or 50 if disabled), you can still qualify.
  • Divorced spouses may still receive benefits if their marriage lasted at least 10 years and they meet other eligibility requirements.

Survivor benefits are not automatically granted. Instead, you must apply. Steps to apply include:

  • Gather required documents: You’ll need a death certificate, proof of relationship, and Social Security numbers.
  • Call or visit the Social Security office: You cannot apply online for survivor benefits. You must call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office.
  • Decide when to claim: Claiming earlier may result in reduced benefits, while waiting until full retirement age maximizes payments.

The Social Security Administration provides a one-time death benefit of $255 to a surviving spouse or dependent child. This payment is separate from monthly survivor benefits.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and by Buried in Work is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney or subject matter expert for advice specific to your situation.