General, Survivors

Social Security Survivors Benefits Explained

December 16, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Elderly man looking out the window while reviewing tabletWe 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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About the Author

Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

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Comments

  1. Mary F.

    My husband passed in December of 2015 he was getting 848 thats what the sis office said I would get as widow benefits will I get the ssiincrease and the stimulus if so could you tell me when to expect it i get my benefits on the 3rd

    • A.C.

      Hi, Mary. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can 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.

  2. Sheryl A.

    I recently took temporary custody of my granddaughter. She receives survivor benefits since my son passed away. Am I entitled to get the benefits until she is back with her mother? We don’t know how long I will have her.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Sheryl. Generally, we pay the benefits to the family member who is the primary care provider of the child. For additional specific questions about your granddaughter’s situation, please contact your local Social Security office. Thanks! 

    • A.C.

      Hi, Sheryl. Generally, we pay the benefits to the family member who is the primary care provider of the child. For additional specific questions about your granddaughter’s situation, please contact your local Social Security office. Thanks! 

  3. Joyce H.

    What is the amount of death benefit payable to a widow or widower?

  4. Cornel B.

    I’m currently collecting SS benefits in the country I relocated myself(Europe).My wife is not a US Citizen nor has she a SS Card.We’ve been married for ten years.Is she eligible at the of 62 to apply for SS Benefits?

  5. Myrtle C.

    I am the widow of two different men can I draw social security from both?

    • A.C.

      Thank you for your question, Myrtle. Generally, during the initial interview to apply for Social Security benefits, we usually explore other possible eligibility that could pay a higher benefit amount to the applicant. In cases where individuals are eligible for benefits on more than one record as a surviving divorced widow, we will pay the higher benefit amount. While it is possible for a person to be eligible to more than one benefit at the same time, we are only going to pay the highest benefit amount from either records. Please visit our Survivor Planner: If You Are The Survivor for more information. If you have additional specific questions, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for assitance. You can also contact your local Social security office. We hope this helps. 

  6. Teresa M.

    divorced 2018 got marry 1993 Spouse die Jan 8 2022 what do I need to do to chain his S/S

    • A.C.

      Hi, Teresa. If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who died and you are not married, you may be eligible for benefits just the same as a widow or widower. For more information, please visit our webpage, Survivors Planner: If You Are The Survivor. To apply for benefits, 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.

  7. Cheryl

    I’m 64 and drawing SSDI off my deceased husband. I will be 65 in 3 months, how do I find out if I can get more money going to straight SS.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Cheryl. Please contact our offices for specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  8. KSUZ

    My husband & I are 71 & 74 & both receive social security checks on our own work history. His benefit amount is much higher than mine. If he precedes me in death, can I begin receiving a higher amount in my check?

    • A.C.

      Hi, KZUZ. Thanks for your question. The amount of your widow’s benefit is based on several factors, including: the earnings of your husband, when he started receiving his benefits, your age, and the amount of your own retirement benefit. We compare your own benefit with your potential survivor benefit. If your survivor benefit would be higher than your own current retirement benefit, you would be eligible for survivor benefits. For more information about survivors benefits, please visit our If You Are the Survivor page. We hope this helps. 

    • A.C.

      Hi, KZUZ. Thanks for your question. The amount of your widow’s benefit is based on several factors, including: the earnings of your husband, when he started receiving his benefits, your age, and the amount of your own retirement benefit. We compare your own benefit with your potential survivor benefit. If your survivor benefit would be higher than your own current retirement benefit, you would be eligible for survivor benefits. For more information about survivors benefits, please visit our If You Are the Survivor page. We hope this helps. 

  9. Barbara K.

    I retired from SSA in 2000 and I still help people in my community to file for benefits online.
    My main concern is you offer online services for retirement, disability and some Medicare. Why not for survivor benefits?
    Most people plan ahead for retirement and disability generally has a waiting period.
    Survivors generally are unprepared. Often this may be there only source of income.

  10. Beth W.

    Sadly, I know a family with young children whose Mother has passed.Mother never worked outside the home.Is there any aid for the children?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Beth. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Certain family members may be able to receive Social Security benefits if the deceased person worked long enough in jobs inusred under Social Secuirty to qualify for benefits. For more information, please read our publication, How Social Security Can Help When A Family Member Dies. We hope this information is helpful. 

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