The Importance of Social Security Survivors Benefits
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Most people don’t like to think about death. We plan for life, for that day when we retire, for the places we’ll go and the things that we’ll do then. Unfortunately, death is a part of life we must prepare for. The death of a worker is devastating for the entire family, not only emotionally, but also financially.
Social Security is here to help you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, tools, and information to help support you throughout life’s journey. Part of that promise is protection for your family when a worker dies. Some of the Social Security taxes you pay go toward survivors benefits for your family. When an income earner dies, certain members of the family may be eligible for survivors benefits, such as widows and widowers, including divorced widows and widowers; children; and dependent parents. The amount of benefits your family receives depends on your lifetime earnings. The higher your earnings are, the higher the benefits will be. The value of your survivors benefit is probably more than the value of your individual life insurance.
You can check your Social Security Statement to see an estimate of survivors benefits we could pay your family. It also shows an estimate of your retirement and disability benefits, and provides other important information. To review your Social Security Statement online, create a personal my Social Security account. Your my Social Security account is secure and gives you immediate access to your earnings records, Social Security benefit estimates, and a printable Statement.
When a worker dies, we recommend that their survivors apply for benefits right away. You can apply by telephone or at any Social Security office. For more information about survivors benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/survivors. If you think you qualify, please don’t wait. Apply today.
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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, retirement benefits, social security, Social Security benefits, Social Security statement, Social Security taxes, survivors benefits
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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john k.
I need assistance in helping my Mother move forward within the SS system now that my father has died. May i set up an account for her online? If so, how do i go about that?
Phuclinh
I like your topics on Social Security matters but I still do not understand the important thing about survivor benefits.
If a worker passed away when he/she is still young, how many credits he/she needs that survivors can get survivor’s benefits.
Do you have a chart for this ? Ir will look like the chart for disability benefit based on credits and age.
Thank you so much
Carmen G.
my mother passed I need to know what to do next.
where do I send her dead certificate to stop payments
Barbara G.
I want to change my direct Deposit, to my home .
3501 Ransom Circle
Denison Texas 75020.
ss XXXXXXXXXX
R.F.
Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks!
Barbara G.
I need to change my banking deposit, I am change banks Please change to my home.
Barbara Gallagher XXXXXXX
Denison Texas 75020
R.F.
Hello Barbara, effective March 1, 2013, the law requires that you receive your payments electronically. The U.S. Department of the Treasury can grant exceptions in rare circumstances. For more information or to request a waiver, call Treasury at 855-290-1545. Thanks!
Karen N.
My mom died last night and she already got her SSA check. Do i have to return the check?
V.V.
Hi Karen. We are very sorry for your loss. When you call to report your mother’s death, the representative will indicate if any payments need to be returned. You must return the benefit received for the month of death or any later months. For example, if the person dies in July, you must return the benefit paid in August. If payments are directly deposited, contact the bank or other financial institution and ask them to return any funds received for the month of death or later. If paid by check, do not cash any checks received for the month the person dies or later.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or you can contact your local Social Security office directly.
For additional information, check out our Factsheet on How Social Security Can Help When a Family Member Dies.
joan r.
my husband alfred risicato is deceased. How do I apply to get his social security?
V.V.
Hi Joan, we are very sorry for your loss. If you already receive benefits as a spouse, under your husband’s record, your benefit will automatically convert to widow’s benefits after we receive the report of death. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by contacting the local Social Security office.
If you are receiving retirement benefits on your own record, you can only apply for benefits as a widow if your retirement benefit amount is less than the benefits you would receive as a survivor.
You cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone. Thanks.
VALERIE B.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT MY BENEFITS REGARDING BY DECEASED HUSBAND SOCIAL SECURITY – EVERYTIME I CALL I GET A MESSAGE THAT THEY ARE TO BUSY – CALL BACK
V.V.
Hi Valerie. We’re sorry that you are having difficulties reaching someone by phone. We are currently experiencing higher than normal call volume. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
For details regarding survivor benefits, visit our Benefits Planner: Survivors.
Lynn M.
Is there benefit/payment for taking care of your mother with dementia? The daughter has been caring for her for awhile and just recently lost her father/mothers husband. She has not been able to work outside the home for quite awhile. Please advise. This pertains to my in laws. Thank you.
Robert c.
Can both my wife and I be the rep payees for my daughter who is permanently didabled
K.O.
Hello Robert. Currently, only one person can serve as a Representative Payee for your disabled daughter. A face-to-face interview is required and you must apply for and be appointed as a Representative Payee by SSA. We will also contact the beneficiary and the current payee. See our publication: A Guide For Representative Payees for more information.
If you have specific questions, or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. Or you can contact your local Social Security office directly. Hope this helps. Thanks!