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. BOANERGES M.

    I WANT TO REPORT THAT MY WIFE DIED. PLEASE CONTACT ME BY E-MAIL OR TELEPHONE, 646-522-3894. HER NAME: ZULLY MALDONADO.

    • R.F.

      We are sorry for your loss, Mr. Maldonado. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by sending the deceased person’s death certificate to the local Social Security office.
      To confirm if your wife’s passing was reported and to see if you may be eligible for survivor’s benefits, you must contact us. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak with one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thank you.

  2. Lynn

    my husband died in 2014. we were married in 2013.
    I was his caregiver at home. why could I at the age of 46 when he died not get some social security benefits?
    it doesn’t really matter now, I loved him for a lifetime and we spent his last 2 years together, a huge accomplishment for us! I miss him dearly and don’t care about the money, but I just would like to know to help others in this position. So sad, he paid in for years, was 59 and died of cancer, worked so hard all his life! just curious!

  3. kay k.

    I’m receiving ss benefits as a widow. will my benefits change when I reach 70. My husband s wages were higher than mine. I am not working.

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your question, Kay. Your survivor benefit amount is based on the earnings of the person who died. Likely, your benefit amount will not change.

  4. Judy

    Did forget to mention that I am 65 yrs old. Will be 66 yrs old in October of 2018. Thank you for your time. Judy.

  5. Judy

    Filled out returned SSA-L9779-SM-SUP in
    August 2017. Marked box indicating will retire 10.06.17. No income for oct nov dec this year. Will I get my survivors pymt in jan 2018 and continue to receive them in 2018?
    Do I still need to mail and call to tell them again that I retired 10.06.17. Thank you in advance for your time !

    • R.F.

      Hi Judy. We generally used the SSA-L9779-SM-SUP form on initial claims, when the monthly earnings test is applicable. Estimates are made and used prior to the close of the tax year and are intended to help prevent overpayments.
      For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. However, one of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation and answer your questions about this matter. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

  6. Barbara A.

    I am currently still working for the State Trial courts. I am also currently receiving survivor benefits from my deceased husband social security account. My question is, when I retire I will receive a government pension and would like to know if my survivor’s benefits will be reduced at that time? I am also eligible for my own social security benefits under my own work record. If my benefits will be reduced, what is the percentage of that reduction?

    • R.F.

      Hi Barbara. Generally, a pension based on work that is not covered by Social Security (for example, Federal civil service and some State or local government agencies) may cause the amount of your Social Security benefit to be reduced. Your Social Security benefits can be reduced based on one of two provisions: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.

  7. Elizabeth

    I have a question. My daughter receives a social security benefit because her father, who is 62, applied for a retirement benefit. There is also a court order for child support. My daughter’s ssa payment, while gratefully appreciated, does not cover even half of the court ordered amount. Should we receive the balance of the ordered amount from his benefit? Please advise.

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your question, Elizabeth. When you qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, your children may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. In your daughter’s case, the Social Security payments she is receiving, are an entitlement based on her relationship with the wage earner/ (her father). We suggest that you continue to work with your local Child Support Bureau for guidance in this issue.

  8. Denise

    I am looking for an attorney to represent me in a Request for Reconsideration for Survivor Benefits on behalf of my son. I can’t find one that specializes in Survivor Benefits only Disability. Where can I find a list of attorney in Massachusetts to represent me?

    • J.Y.

      Thanks for your question, Denise. Many people handle their own appeals. A representative familiar with Social Security’s programs can provide a valuable service to you. However, the decision whether or not to seek the services of a representative (attorney or other qualified person) is up to you. More information about representatives can be found in our publication, “Your Right to Representation.” If you need help requesting a review, contact your local Social Security office, your local hearing office, or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00a.m. and 7:00p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Good luck!

  9. Robert

    My wife died in 1998 leaving me behind at the time a disabled child(14) and 8 year old. I was given 255.00 lump sum and my children were each given monthly benefits. When my disabled child became an adult, he went on his own SS and also receives the survivors benefit, and when my youngest went off that was it. They never continued to give me a widowers survivor benefit for being sole caretaker of a disabled adult child, nor was I ever informed this option was available. Recently when my son was up for disability review, the representative asked why I wasn’t given any type of benefits. SO basically since 2004, when my youngest turned 18, should I have been also receiving benefits, or all along? Is retroactive an option? Trying to figure out how this was missed when I have all the original paperwork, and nothing states anything.
    Thank you

    • R.F.

      Thank you for contacting us, Robert. In some cases, a widow or widower can receive survivor’s benefits at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased worker’s child who is under age 16 or is disabled and receives benefits on the worker’s record. Please keep in mind that Social Security benefits are subject to a “family maximum”. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this venue. We encourage you to continue working with your local office. If you are unable to visit your local office, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance and a thorough explanation. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.

      • Robert

        Okay thanks,
        We are aware of the family maximum, but are thinking the filing may have originally been filed wrong because I was never made aware of any survivor benefits when my children became adults and I have always been the sole caretaker of my disabled adult son.

  10. Consuelo L.

    My Husband passed in 2015. He did not have 40 Qtrs/Credits. I have a statement (DATED July 2003) prepared by SSA that states: Your record shows you have at least 28 credits at this time.

    Survivors: You have earned enough credits for your family to receive the following benefits if you die this year:
    Your Child: $299 a month

    I am not concerned about myself since I have paid into SS and I have my own pension.

    I am concerned for our daughter that was 17 when he passed. She has received nothing. I did not apply online, I went directly to the SSA office in Roseville CA. to provide a death certificate.

    Did the law change? Does SS no longer provide dependent assistance in education? Are there any benefits our daughter qualifies for? Even with 28 credits back in 2003 we both qualified for something if he had passed at that time. In 2015 we qualify for nothing? Not even the $255. burial assist?

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