Social Security Survivors Benefits Explained
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: November 2, 2023
We are here for surviving family members when a worker dies. In the event of your death, certain members of your family may be eligible for survivors’ benefits. These include widows and widowers, divorced widows and widowers, children, and dependent parents.
The amount of benefits your survivors receive depends on your lifetime earnings. The higher your earnings, the higher their benefits. That’s why it’s important to make sure your earnings history is correct in our records. That starts with creating your personal my Social Security account.
A my Social Security account is secure and gives you immediate access to your earnings records, Social Security benefit estimates, and a printable Social Security Statement. The Statement will let you see an estimate of the survivors benefits we could pay your family.
You may also want to visit our Benefits Planner for Survivors to help you better understand Social Security protections for you and your family as you plan for your financial future.
Please visit our website or read our publication, Survivors Benefits, for more information. You can also help us spread the word by sharing this information with your family and friends.
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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security benefits, survivors benefits
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Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
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Nora L.
Yes my husband passed away in 2003 and now it’s 2021 can I draw of him he work before he passed.
And my mother passed in 2018 she was in the Army National Guard 16 years and before she passed she started drawing herSSA then she passed away so can I draw off anyone of them.
V.V.
Hi Nora, thanks for using our blog. You may be eligible for reduced widows benefits as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled) and at any age if caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving benefits on the deceased’s record. Survivor benefit amounts are based on your husband’s earnings. The more he paid into Social Security, the higher the benefits would be. The benefits will not be established automatically, you will have to contact us.
Check out our If You Are The Survivor web page for details. We hope this helps!
Tina D.
I was wondering I’m 59 years old I know some ppl work a little I draw 1491$ month Am I allowed to work any hours I just think it would be good for my mind to be able to do something a few hours a week I wouldn’t be able physically to work fulltime
Shelly L.
My Husband Passed Away July 16, 2018 . I Was Told I Could Receive His Benefits When I Turn 50 ( I Am On SSDI ) Because He Made More Than Me ! I Turn 50 January 28, 2022 How Do Go About Applying For The Benefits , Where Do I Begin And What Do I Need ect …..
V.V.
Hi Shelly, thanks for using our blog. You would need to call and make an appointment to file for disabled widow’s benefits as you cannot apply for that online. To make an appointment, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 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. We hope this information helps.
Victor W.
I am trying to get information on SS
I am living in Germany.
When I try to fill out the form with my USA address it says I need a phone number.
But in blue it says if you do not have a phone leave blank.
How can I info about my SS?
A.C.
Hi, Victor. Since you are living outside of the U.S., you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.
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Mike
My father passed away in 2005 and we are not sure if my mother claimed his death benefit. I would like to handle the investigation of this matter for her. What info will I need to proceed and with whom? Also, given the length of time since my dads passing, are “back benefits” possible?
Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Mike. Thanks for your question. The Lump-Sum Death benefit of $255 (a one-time payment) may be payable upon the death of a person who has worked long enough to be insured under Social Security. An application for the Lump-Sum death payment must be submitted within two years of the insured person’s death. In addition, eligible family members may be able to receive monthly Survivor benefits. For more information on this, please read our publication, How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies. Your mother can contact her local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
Mark
I am on Social Security Survivor Benefits from my wife and I wonder if they had her correct wages. I had all the wages in our tax returns until I lost it all in a fire. And why can’t I see certain information on My Social Security account ever since I started survivor benefits? It is just scrambled when you click on the links and I have heard other people on Survivor benefits have the same thing but I just do not know why?
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The 2022 survivors’ pension rates saw a 5.9% increase based on the Social Security Administration’s cost-of-living adjustment increase.دانلود
Teresa E.
My husband died from COVID complications in September 2021. I have been trying to get widow benefits the past 3months. I’ve talked to someone twice. I have to set up an appointment. The information needed has been reviewed and notes to call in my folder. I’m retired and 62. When the office is closed due to Covid how do I receive my husbands payment?
Please help! Thank you in advance.
A.C.
Hi, Teresa. We are sorry for your loss. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next call. We hope this helps.
Arlene A.
I have been trying to get through our local office for the same reason. No answer and it rings for 30 minutes and no one answers. Your service has a lot to be desired. Although you can stop payments in two days after death
Debra
My husband was in disability and had worked for 30 yrs prior as his wife was I entitled to receive a monthly payment is well.?
A.C.
Hi, Debra. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, your spouse must be receiving retirement or disability benefits and you must be age 62 or older. Keep in mind if you qualify for your own benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Visit our Benefits Planner more information. If you have additional specific questions, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Missy
My husband passed away on 12/2/21 at the age of 52. He had been a stay at home dad for the past 14 years but had worked previously and paid into SSA. I most likely would be considered high wage earner. I have a child that is 14. Would he be eligible for survivors benefits? & with having a minor child would I be eligible for anything?
A.C.
Hi, Missy. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits. For more information about who may eligible and how to apply, check out our publication, How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies. We hope this helps.