Survivors

The Importance of Social Security Survivors Benefits

May 31, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

elderly woman drinking coffee 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. K.S.

    What happens if a child begins to get survivor benefits because a parent died, and then gets adopted by a stepparent? Does the Social Security benefit end for the child was he is adopted?

    • A.C.

      Hi! Benefits for a child who is already entitled to benefits will not stop due to an adoption. For specific questions, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. We hope this helps!

  2. Roberta

    When an elderly person on SS dies & they themselves haven’t been In the armed forces, (her husband was), is there any benefit for a grave marker? For 10 yrs my mother’s ashes are in an unmarked grave. I’m the only family member left, disabled on a small SS pension.

  3. elaine l.

    I applied for my exdeased. Husbands Benefits. About 2 weeks. I guess got my first check. SSA helped me just fine

  4. Christine R.

    So if I am permanently disabled and my child is 12 now and I receive ssdi benefits for myself and my child and I die at what age and up to what age can my daughter be eligible for survivors benefits?
    Respectfully,
    Christine Ring

    • A.C.

      Hi, Christine. Thanks for your question. A child’s benefits normally stop at age 18 unless he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or high school (benefits can continue until age 19) or is disabled. For more information children’s benefits, check out our publication, Benefits for Children. We hope this helps.

  5. John R.

    I receive SS here in Costa Rica and am married to a Costa Rican citizen.
    I want to know if she can receive my SS once I pass away, Would she have to move to the US to receive it?
    If she can receive my SS, what is the age requirement for her to apply for the entitlement and what proof will she need?

    • L.A.

      Hi John. Thanks for your question. For your security, we do not have access to personal information on this forum. Please contact your local Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Costa Rica to discuss your options. We hope this helps.

  6. Amelia g.

    Te atrasos en el pago de septiembre como puedo arreglar el problema soy sobreviviente vivo fuy de los estados unidos

  7. Connie M.

    My Son passed away with a 13 year son who has recently turned 18. He is going to college and I don’t understand why he can’t draw on his social security while in college?

  8. Gary W.

    If a widow receives $2600 a month from her teachers retirement and her departed husband received $1000 a month is she entitled to the $1000 additionally?
    P.S. I am helping a friend to inquire

  9. Gail D.

    I have been receiving survivors benefits since my husband passed away, in 2012.
    I am now age 65, almost 66.
    My question is this: can I receive my SS that I have put into the system for years,while working ALONG WITH HIS survivors benefits??

  10. Virginia D.

    I am receiving suvivors benefits from my deceased husband’s Soc sec. How much am I allowed to have in cash and in bank?
    Virginia Mitcham
    Husband: Wiley A Mitcham- SS# *** – ** – ***

Comments are closed.