General

Social Security Benefits: a Lifetime of Protections for Your Loved Ones

February 14, 2019 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

" "At Social Security, we know how much your loved ones mean to you—that’s why our promise of lifetime protections extends to them. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, some of your immediate family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record.

We pay benefits to:

  1. Your spouse — Your spouse may be able to receive benefits on your record if they’re over age 62, or if they’re younger and taking care of a child entitled on your record who is under the age of 16 or disabled.
  2. Your Child — Your minor children may be eligible for benefits while you’re receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Grandchildren and stepchildren may qualify in certain situations. You can visit our website for parents and guardians or read our publication Benefits for Children for more information.
  3. Your surviving family members — Our benefits help ease the financial burden on your loved ones after you die by providing monthly payments to eligible widows, widowers, children, and dependent parents. Our survivor benefits may carry even greater value than your individual life-insurance policy.
  4. Same-sex couples — Your spouse, divorced spouse, or surviving spouse of a same-sex marriage (or non-marital, legal, same-sex relationship) may also be entitled to benefits on your record. Visit our website for same-sex couples for more information.
  5. Your ex-spouse — You may no longer be together, but if you’ve divorced, your former spouse who is age 60 or older (50-59 if disabled) may be eligible to receive benefits based on your record as long as other eligibility rules are met.

On our website, you can find detailed information on the lifetime protections we offer you and your loved ones. Help us spread the message by sharing this blog entry!

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags:

See Comments

About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Related Articles

We Remain Committed to Serving You

Why It’s Important to Tell Us About Changes When You Get Social Security Benefits

Will Remarrying Affect My Social Security Benefits? 

Look Who’s Turning 80!

Comments

  1. RONALD P.

    I CALLED MY LOCAL SSA OFFICE IN OCALA,FL, I WAS PLACED ON HOLD 1ST TIME FOR 6 MIN AND HUNG UP ON,THE SECOND CALL I WAS PLACED ON HOLD 8 MIN. AND HUNG UP ON.THE THIRD CALL SOMEONE ANSWERED AND I ASK IF I COULD GET A COPY OF MY 2018-1099 FOR MY VA HOME LOAN.HE REPLYED TO GO ON LINE FOR IT. I TOLD HIM THAT I WAS 73 YOA AND THAT I WASN’T VERY GOOD ON THE COMPUTOR.HE SAID HE WOULD MAIL IT TO ME.I ASKED HIM IF HE COULD E-MAIL IT AND HE REPEATED THAT HE WILL MAIL IT TO ME. THAT WAS 5 DAYS AGO. I LIVE 15 MI. FROM THE SSA OFFICE.

    • V.V.

      Hi Ronald, thanks for using our blog. We sincerely apologize for your inconvenience and we understand your frustration. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  2. Lori K.

    My client did not receive her 1099 form for SSA. She is currently living in an assisted living facility and her son is her durable power of attorney. We think the 1099 was mailed to her home where she is not living. How can I get a replacement form to complete her tax return?

  3. ALFRED E.

    I NEED MY 2020 NEW BENEFIT AMOUNT STATEMENT

  4. Linda N.

    my sister is drawing benefits from our farther social security (deceased). How is this possible?

    • V.V.

      Hi Linda, thanks for using our blog. Unmarried children who are under 18 (up to age 19 if attending elementary or secondary school full time) can be eligible to receive Social Security benefits when a parent dies. In addition, adult children that were disabled before age 22 may be eligible for benefits when a parent dies. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on children’s benefits. We hope this helps.

  5. inkjet k.

    https://www.karmakodlama.com.tr

  6. Rebekah

    Will my divorce be the same as everyone else, if we same-sex couple? I mean, does it have a big difference? Can we use, like everybody else, services like these https://www.arizonaonlinedivorce.com/?

  7. Christy W.

    Divorce and marital breakthrough save your marriage / relationship from breakup and Divorce? you can contact Dr. Augus through whatsapp him at +2348077264075

  8. aryne

    Thank you very much for posting an informative and helpful post.

  9. Gabriel G.

    can my none-US_ citizen receive survivor benefits? we live outside the US

  10. Linda M.

    I need the form for the continuing my husbands benefits so they don’t cut me off on feb 28. can you help me

Comments are closed.