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. Patricia M.

    I am confused about funeral costs and unsure of words used. I need to know what to do and how to get help without fear.

  2. Margaret M.

    Hi .. I am not sure I am in the right place.. We live in the Netherlands .. I am writing for a friend.. She is Dutch/American and receives SS.. When she passes away.. she wants to know how her son can contact you about that.. what does he need to do or who to contact?

  3. Steven p.

    My father passed about 8 months ago I’m disabled and my stepmother said she’d stilling everything and selling it she has ever hated me can I use some of dads someway and Sue or jail her for spring me living almost homeless and paying people to harness me with the money she got from selling my past with my father

  4. Dave M.

    Question–I have been receiving Social Security
    Survivor benefits for three years. When I turn 66
    (Full retirement age) am I required to take my own
    benefit or can I remain a survivor and delay taking
    my own until whenever.

    Thanks

    • R.F.

      Great question, Dave. You earn delayed retirement credits automatically when and if you delay getting your benefit up until age 70. The benefit increase no longer applies when you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking benefits.
      We hope this information helps!

      • Dave M.

        Thanks so much Ray for the info
        and timely response!

  5. Patrick S.

    My wife died in 2009, at the age of 58. I am now 69 I will turn 70 on June 11th. She worked a big part of her life. Am I entitled to any of her benefits?

  6. Ernesto H.

    My wife and I divorced after 32 years of marriage, this past year she passed away, am I entitled to or can I collect on her SS?

  7. Deborah W.

    I married a military man from my hometowm. Had a son. Raised him myself. Divorced after seven years. Never remarried and continued to raise my son. His father kept a life policy all those years. My son turned 18 his father assured me the life inzurance was still in force to help me in the future. He died unexpectedly 2009. No life insurance! Can i get his military penson or social security surviors benefit? So far, i cant find anything available to me. Any suggestions.

  8. Paula S.

    Does every one on SS receive the 255$ at the end of their life? If not who does?

  9. Rosa L.

    I have been trying to apply for my Social Security benefits and my deceased spousal benefits and I am not getting information or assistance on any of my issues. I sit on the phone for hours. I get referred to the website, but it doesn’t help. I tried the automated system and still it doesn’t work.
    I understand you have people other than myself to help, but what do I need to do to speak to someone?

  10. victor c.

    my daughter turned 18 years of age, does the money goes towards her dad?

Comments are closed.