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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Mj O.
I am on survivors benefits at the moment however if I sign up for domestic partnership will I loose these benefits ?
Kim J.
Our father passed away January 24th 2020. He should have received a check for the month of January. He did not receive that check. We needed that check for funeral expenses. How can we receive that check? Thank You
kathy b.
where do I get forms to file for survivor benefits first husband died and I am divorcee’s from second and need to file on first husband
Ann C.
Hi, Kathy. At this time, we do not offer an online application for survivors benefits. You are eligible to apply for survivor benefits when you reach age 60 (age 50 or over if disabled). However, there are other factors that may affect your entitlement to these benefits. You can find more information on survivors benefits here. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. We hope this helps.
Kathleen S.
My husband died 5 months ago and I understand I will receive his higher benefit amount. I need an application. Do I need to go to the office?
Ann C.
Hi, Kathleen. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for your question. At this time, we do not offer an online application for survivors benefits. You should call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to assist you. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
robert p.
can I get my spouse social security and my social security if my check is higher. can I get both mine and my spouse if my check is higher. or can I get partial of the lower amount
Ann C.
Hi, Robert. Thank you for your question. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, your husband must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Also, when you qualify for Social Security benefits on your own record, we pay that amount first. But if you also qualify for a higher amount as a spouse, you’ll get a combination of benefits that equals that higher amount. Visit our Retirement Planner: Benefits For You As A Spouse for more information. We hope this helps.
Daniel J.
My father died 27yrs ago.. my mother divorced him when I was 11. My father never remarried unto his death. In 92. My mother remarried. I have been institutionalized since 12yrs old an through out my life.. I’ve been diagnosed with paranoia delusional personality disorder an I have a broken neck#2. I’m 53 never been married an have no children.. everyday I struggle with falling and breaking my neck an killing myself..I am on SSDImy father has no spouse or widow I’m his next of kin.would I qualify for his soc,sec benefits!!????
Ann C.
Hi, Daniel. For information on benefits as an disabled adult child please see our Disability Planner: Benefits For A Disabled Child. For specific questions, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 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.
Marcie
Father passed November 27, 2019
Does the family still get his December amount.
Daughter: Marcie Schwein
Ann C.
Hi, Marcie. We are sorry to hear about your loss. This may not be the news you were hoping to hear, but we wanted you to hear it straight from us. To be eligible for Social Security benefits, a person has to live throughout the entire month to receive his or her check. Therefore, when a person passes away, Social Security benefits are not payable for the month in which a beneficiary dies. This applies whether the person dies on the first or the last day of the month. Eligible family members may be able to receive monthly survivor benefits. For more information, please check out our publication, How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies. We hope this helps.
Deborah S.
Where will social security return my dad ‘s last check to.He passed away Oct1 2018 .we filled out forms and never received our checks .Do the mail us each individually our portion? Why didn’t they just redposit in his account ?He passed away Oct 1st 2018 and took the oct 1st check back
Ann C.
Hi, Deborah. We are sorry to hear about your loss and situation. 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 7:00 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. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next visit or call. We hope this is resolved soon.
Suzy S.
I took ‘ survivors benifits when I was having heart surgery and was going to change to MY social sercurity when I was eleigible..how do I make the switch?
Ann C.
Hi, Suzy. Thanks for your question. Since you are currently receiving benefits, you will need to contact us to schedule an appointment to file for benefits on your own record with your local office by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and a representative will assist you. We hope this helps.
Amanda
My son is supposed to be receiving 350.00 monthly in child support. His father is behind around 8,000 in back support. He just recently started receiving ssi. Can he receive a lump some from this? Can he start getting child support from his father ssi? What information do I need to get process started? Thank You
Ann C.
Hi, Amanda. 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 7:00 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.