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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Marsha A.
My husband died in January. We were re ei ing his retirement benefits an my disability benefit. I have not received my disability check in the last few months. I thought I would still get both. I would like to know about this. Thank you. Marsha Gentry
R.F.
Hi Marsha. First, let us to clarify, it is possible for a person to be eligible to more than one benefit at the same time. However, we are only going to pay the highest benefit amount from either records –meaning that you will only be receiving one monthly payment.
Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks.
Barbara S.
I failed to write down the date in June I have an appointment to receive call from Social Security regarding benefits since the death of my husband.Robert N Havard. Please advise It is either June 14 or 15.
Many thanks.
R.F.
Hello Barbara. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time.
One of our representatives should be able to assist you and confirm the date and time of your appointment. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Marsha P.
how long does it take to find out if survivor benefits will be paid and how much. After you have already applied.
R.F.
Each case can be different, Marsha. Please continue working with the office that processed your application for updates or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and ask one of our agents to assist you. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
Elixiry Y.
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Lori C.
I have just started receiving widow’s benefits and was told I could continue to work full time. I was to call when I reached the $17,000 mark and they would stop benefits…did I hear correctly? Also, what if I forget..go over by $8,000….then what? Thank you in advance. I am 60 years old…
R.F.
Hi Lori. When you receive Social security benefits and work at the same time, we usually ask that you give us an estimate of your earnings for the year. If later you realize your earnings will be higher or lower than you estimated, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible so that we adjust your benefits, if necessary.
If you exceeded the allowable earnings amount for the year, we probably paid you more than you should have been paid, which means you now have an overpayment on your record.
To learn more about “How Work Affects Your Benefits”, visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.
Please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 if you need further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
Elizabeth N.
My husband died 7 years ago. I will be 62, on my birthday, May 19, 20018.
I was told I could receive his social security at this age.
Please advise me on what I steps I should take to receive his social security.
Thank you
R.F.
Thank you for contacting us, Elizabeth. A widow can start receiving reduced benefits at age 60 (age 50 if disabled). You cannot apply for survivors’ benefits online.
If you need to apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also contact your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone. We hope this information helps!
Greg Z.
my father was a widow at the time of his passing. Does anyone receive the one time death benefit of $255.00?
R.F.
Hello Greg, the Lump Sum Death Payment is only payable to eligible family members. Generally, the widow or widower and minor children of the deceased.
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Alice
Our mother passed away in June of last year. She was receiving social security. She has three daughters and I was wondering if we are entitled to her remaining SS?
Navigating through your website leads me to believe we may be entitled to a “lump sum” payment.
Thank you for your time.
Vic P.
I am retired and living in Thailand. I am 68. I have never been married nor had children. If I married a younger Thai national and I died, would she continue to receive the Social Security payment that i receive now? If so, for how long? Also–If we had children, would they receive anything?
R.F.
Thank you for your questions, Vic. When you receive Social Security retirement benefits, some members of your family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. Children can receive Social Security benefits because one or both of their parents are disabled, retired, or deceased. Normally, benefits stop when children reach age 18 unless they are disabled. If the child is still a full-time student at a secondary (or elementary) school at age 18, benefits will continue until the child graduates or until two months after the child becomes age 19, whichever is first.
Some special provision apply to “Noncitizens” receiving Social Security benefits when living inside or outside the United States.
Remember that when living abroad, you may contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. We hope this information helps!