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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Margaret b.
I have my x husbands so number. Can you tell me if he is still alive? If not can you tell me where I can get the info? I have no idea where he was living.
Frank R.
I adopted my grand daughter after my wife (her grandmother) passed away, I receive survivor benefits should she as well?
L.A.
Hi Frank, and thank you for your comment. Under current law, Social Security benefits may be payable to grandchildren if certain conditions are met. See our internet page titled “Parents and Guardians” for more information. We hope this helps.
Lisa E.
I am 61, can I claim my deceased spouse’s benefits and delay mine and collect mine?
Sue F.
My brother passed away last Thursday and need to know what needs to be done. He was never married.
Dorothy A.
Am I eligible for my deceased husband’s social security benefits – passed away ll/19/11. I am not sure if I/m receiving survival benefits at this time.
My date of birth 9/24/31. My husbands, Daniel J. McDonald date of birth 1/19/24.
Jennifer
I’m moving too a new address in the mainland ,Nevada from Hawaii what is the correct procedure besides 10 days check in in the new state? For my SSI and ssdi benifiting?
Kadijah v.
I need a lawyer
Patrick H.
I couldn’t find info about funeral /burial assistance. How do I apply for this kind of benefit?
A.C.
Hi, Patrick. 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 from the insured person’s death. Only eligible family members may be able to receive the one-time payment and monthly survivor benefits. For more information on this, please read How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies. Hope this helps!
Barbara D.
My Mom 90 years old needs to what to do now that my Dad has died. How does she go about getting his benefits vs hers?
A.C.
Hi, Barbara. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Your mother may be be eligible for a Lump Sum Death Payment. In addition, she may be able to receive monthly Survivor benefits. To learn more about benefits that may be available to her, please visit here. For specific questions about your mother’s case or to apply, she can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to assist her or she can contact her local office. We hope this helps.
Lonny K.
In short, what happens if me or my wife dies. She is disabled and could not manage on her ss which is half of mine, and vice versa?
A.C.
Thanks for your question, Lonny. Your wife or you could be eligible for reduced survivor’s benefits as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled). For more information, please go to our Survivors Planner page and read our publication: How Social Security Can Help – When A Family Member Dies. We hope this helps.