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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I B.
What is needed to change representative for children survivors?
Older brother wants to give physical custody of our two grandchildren to us.
V.V.
Hi there. A face-to-face interview is required for you to apply to be your grandchildren’s representative payee. Please read our publication: A Guide For Representative Payees or visit our Representative Payee webpage.
If you have specific questions, or to make an appointment with the local Social Security office, please call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and speak to one of our representatives.
Linda M.
Can I receive both my Social Security benefit as well as my spouse’s benefit upon his passing?
Angelina k.
I am married to my husband for 9 years he had 2 x wives both deceased if something happens to him it my entitlement to his full social security benifets thank you
Angelina
Bonnie S.
My mom has dementia, is living in Canada (and Canadian), she receives the US Survivors Social Security Pension. Can I fax the Declaration of Incognitive from 2 doctors and the Personal Directive to the office there? I am the POA and would like to have that noted on her file, also I would like to place a change of address to be mine. We will be selling her house soon, so her mail will not be reaching us. If I can fax this info off and speak to a contact… who would I call and what is the Fax #.
Kevin G.
My brother Michael Joseph Grace passed away in September of 2018. Is there a formal notification process to Social Security?
Cathy B.
My father was 93 years old and died. His name was Ivan Blazek. He was collecting social security. The funeral home let you know about his death. He died December 28, 2018. I don’t know what to do next. Can you help me?
MN R.
Can my total disabled sibling’s spouse, just quite taking care of her?
V.V.
Hi there. If your sibling’s spouse is their representative payee, a payee must use the benefits to pay for the beneficiary’s needs and solely for that purpose. If you think they are misusing your singling’s benefits, you should report it immediately. We will investigate all allegations of misuse, gather facts and evidence, and make a decision on whether misuse has occurred. To report misuse of benefits, please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives or visit your local office.
If you’re talking about caregiver services, you would want to direct that question to the state or local social services office. You can visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information. Thanks.
Ronnie
My dad died on 12-13. I was expecting a deposit in his bank account for 13 days but they deposited the entire amount. What is correct way to rectify his account?
V.V.
Hi Ronnie, we are very sorry for your loss. If your father was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of his death or any later months. Keep in mind that benefits are paid a month behind. For example, if he passed away in December, you must return the benefit paid in January. The benefit received in December was for November. If received by direct deposit, 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. Return the checks to Social Security as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Suzanne C.
If I get survivors benefits, am I still paying into my account? Where can I access this information? I cannot find it on myssi.com
anita w.
My credit card was compromised and I received a new one. Need to change this info for my auto deposit but cant find a way to do it. FRUSTRATING at best