When Tragedy Occurs, Your Family Can Count on Us
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 6, 2023
Tragedy strikes without warning. For families who lose a wage earner, it can have a devastating financial impact in addition to the emotional one.
Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin says that Social Security touches the lives of every American, often in times of tragedy and uncertainty. It’s true. Our programs go beyond retirement and disability benefits. Social Security helps care for the surviving families of deceased entitled workers.
If you work, some of the Social Security taxes you pay now go toward survivors benefits for workers and their families. In the event of your death, certain family members — widows, widowers (including your divorced spouse), children and dependent parents — may be eligible for survivors benefits. Social Security’s survivors benefits may be more valuable than your individual life insurance.
The benefit amount your family is eligible for depends on your average lifetime earnings. The more you earned, the more their benefits will be. Check your Social Security Statement to see an estimate of survivors benefits we could pay. You can create a secure my Social Security account to access your Statement anytime and see an estimate of these benefits. With a my Social Security account, you can also see an estimate of your retirement and disability benefits, and ot her important information. You can also visit our Benefits Planner to help you better understand your and your family’s, Social Security protection as you plan for your financial future.
In certain circumstances, we also make a one-time payment of $255 to your spouse or child if you’ve worked long enough. Survivors must apply for this payment within two years of the date of death.
For more information about how Social Security’s survivors benefits can help your surviving dependents, please read Survivors Benefits or visit our website. No one likes to think about death, but, unfortunately, it’s inevitable. When it happens, know that you can count on Social Security to be there for your loved ones.
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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Danielle M.
I do have a question that has been weighing over my shoulders for 10 years.
I was 22 when I had my son, he was born in 2005. His father was never around and unfortunately he was murdered in 2008. My sons father was only 24. Just turned 24. He died on his birthday? there was a child support order in place but we never received anything. When u learned about his passing I was told to apply for survivor benefits for my son. So I did and I was told that since he didn’t have enough work credits ( he needed 6) he only had 1. Well unfortunately my son wouldn’t get no help.
Okay, I do understand working and paying in, I get that. Trust me, my parents were very strict on my sis and I on getting a job asap (when we were old enough) I started working at 14 and still of course only 32! Now I have enough work credits if the roles were reversed. I understand the rules I honestly do, but I do feel like there has to be something out there for kids in this same situation. Now a days you need a 2person income to make ends meat. It has been ME since Day one being the full time mom/dad, the sole provider! Our life has been very rough and it just doesn’t seem to get any easier. Yes we do get other help in our state to help us, with our day by day needs. And I’m beyond greatly for the assistance. But I don’t want to depend on those programs. I want to be the one who can provide for my son and I. Ive done everything possible to get us to a manageable life. Working 2-3 jobs at a time for many years, I don’t ask for help I have to much pride. Plus we really don’t have much family just my dad/papa. My sons father’s family NEVER was in his life so its honestly been myself and my boy. I gave my son anything he wanted he is spoiled! He has and will always come first. When he was 4 I noticed he had such a temper and just so angry. So that was another struggle with that. Many doctors, many specialist, many appointments, therapist, counseling, etc. Etc. I didn’t give up I kept going and I still won’t stop until my son is happy and doesn’t feel so mad, and learns to control his temper. He was diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, mood disorder. Like I said it had been a very tough life for the past 10 years on my own. Many tears, many break downs, but I can’t give up. I even went to college after 10 years being out of high school. I did amazing in school. I was so focused and determined to succeed! I got my A.A degree in health care administration and guess what? All that work was a waste. Couldn’t find a job. I DONT HAVE EXPERIENCE. Those are the famous words. Any idea how heartbreaking that is to keep pushing and pushing to try to make a decent life for myself and my son but its been one thing after another always pushing us way back. In all honest it does boil down to money. I don’t have the funds, to have a stable life or one that I could provide. We will always be struggling and how much of that can one person take? If my son was able to get survivor benefits it would have been a BLESSING! But no, just cause my sons father chose NOT to work that is my fault? Its bull crap if you ask me. And I tried to fight this by contacting my local mayor and getting ahold of the state officals and explain this situation that there are many kids in this world how are going through exactly what we are. They need to be protected and there needs to be some financial support for the children who has lost a parent.
Shawn M.
So full of BS I was hit by a truck and had a 30 percent chance to live. And all social security did is screw my family and talk crap about my millitary service the Gulf War that happend 25 years ago. Google Shawn McMurray Gulf War Vet read the story. I tell my wife I wished that truck killed me they would of got my death benefits. Alot easier then dealing with a bunch of corrupt people at Social Security. YOUR ALL A BUNCH OF SICK SOB .Lets bash the America Veteran but pay off the NAZIS WAR CRIMINALS. I be damed if you talk crap about my millitary service, what does my service 25 years ago have to do with me being hit by a truck in 2012. If thats the best you can do your a sick SOB….
Benjamin V.
What are the requirements not talents for a divorced parent caring for children of the marriage with regards to survivor benefits.
Benjamin B.
What are the talents for s divorced spouse to receive survivor benefits? When my ex wife died in 2003, I called to inquire for myself and for the two minor children we had from that marriage. I was told there was nothing for meet but the children would get a monthly check till age 18. Does the 10 year marriage requirement pertain only to length of marriage or can the divorced spouse quality regardless of length of marriage of they are caring for minor children as a result of that marriage. I’m not sure if that makes sense or I am being clear please let me know if you need further information and of course if someone could clarify this matter for me, thank you.
Ray F.
Thank you for contacting us Benjamin. If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who dies, and your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you could get benefits just the same as a widower. You can be eligible for reduced benefits as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled). If at the time of your ex-wife’s death – you were caring for a child or children under the age of 16, you would not have to meet the length-of-marriage rule. However, if you qualify because you have the worker’s children in your care, your benefit will affect the amount of the benefits the children receive in that same record. Benefits for family members have always been limited by the family maximum rules, meaning that there’s a limit to the amount that family members can receive each month. The maximum family benefit is the maximum monthly amount that can be paid on a worker’s earnings record. Also, if you work, there are limits on how much beneficiaries can earn while they receive benefits.
We are confident that our agents provided the best alternative for you and the children at the time. If you have additional questions, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We hope this helps information helps.
lynnetta
I am currently receiving survivors benefits from my husband who passed away 2 years ago. my question is,could I pause those benefits until I reach retirement age work full time then restart benefits?
Ray F.
Hi Lynetta. You certainly may be able to pause your widows benefit and continue to work. However, it’s important to note that you may still be able to receive some or all of your survivors benefits at the same time that you are working. If you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we will reduce your benefit. For 2016 that limit is $15,720. When you exceed this amount, we reduced or withheld benefits accordingly. Also, when you receive benefits as a widow, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. This assumes you are eligible for retirement benefits and your retirement rate is higher than your rate as a widow. You can learn more about getting benefits while working when you read our publication “How Work Affects Your Benefits”. In your situation, we suggest that you speak to one of our agents. Call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office directly.
Sharon M.
I am guarantor for my nephew’s social security benefits. I have been for over 10 years. The boy’s mother passed away at the end of last year and they were awarded more benefits due to her death. Their father whom was divorced from their mother whom has not worked enough to draw ss benefits on his own has hit 62 and filed for social security benefits off of her account. This has decreased the amount of benefits the boys receive by a 1/3 of what they were getting. How can this happen? I understand the premise behind it but have questionable doubt about the longevity of the marriage to be less than the more than 10 years. Please advise as to how to proceed with showing this information to Social Security.
Ray F.
Thank you for helping Sharon. Benefits for family members or survivors have always been limited by the family maximum rules. The maximum family benefit is the maximum monthly amount that can be paid on a worker’s earnings record. A “Surviving Divorced Spouse” can get benefits, provided that the marriage lasted 10 years or more. If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of Social Security benefits, we encourage you to report it. Thanks.
janie h.
my grandmother passed away in march of 2014 from Alzheimer’s at the age of 87, I was told by my mom that her body was donated to science.. how can I find what day she died when there is no death certificate and when my mom will not tell me when she died.. in hopes that you can help me, betty jane healy(nee: Blackwell)
p.s.
I know her name, DOB, spouse’s name and place of birth
Ray F.
Hi Janie, you may be able to submit a request of information. Please visit our Freedom Of Information Act web page. Hope you find it helpful.
CDR
I started receiving my Social Security Benefits several years ago, “after” my full retirement age, and have also continued to work. I am planning to retire this year.
My wife will be 62 this year; her full retirement age is 66.
If she applies for reduced benefits on her own retirement or as spousal benefits, how would this affect her future benefits at her full retirement age as a widow if I should pre-decease her? Would those benefits be reduced also? And, if I should pre-decease her before she reaches her full retirement age of 66 and she is collecting reduced benefits at the time and those benefits were “deemed”to be spousal benefits, would she be forced to take a reduced widow’s benefit until she reached her full retirement age of 66 and if so would she be able to collect the “full” widows benefit on my earnings or would that amount continue to be reduced?
One more question, please; as we are trying to contemplate our best strategy as well as preparing as much as possible for the unexpected. In the above scenario, it she were “deemed” to be applying for her own reduced retirement benefit at age 62 instead of reduced spousal benefits, would the same rules apply as above, if I pre-decease her before her full retirement age of 66, as well as/or after I should pre-decease her “after” she reaches her full retirement age?
I am sorry, but all of this is kind of confusing and we are not sure about how to proceed. The extra income of reduced benefits at this time with the economy as it is would make quite a difference in our retirement; however, not at he expense of making a future spousal retirement mistake.
Thank you for your consideration in explaining this so we will be better able to understand and prepare.
Ray F.
The reduction factors are permanently applied to all benefits an individual may qualify for once they opt to start benefits at age 62 or at any time prior to their full retirement age. Next, when a person is eligible to more than one benefit at the same time, that person’s benefit amount can never exceed the highest single benefit amount to which that person is entitled. Your wife may still be eligible to collect reduced benefits on your record. Remember, if someone is eligible for both, his or her own benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay their own first. If their spousal benefits are higher than their own retirement benefits, he or she will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. See our Retirement Planner: Benefit For Your Spouse for more information. In many cases, a widow can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate (as early as 60 years old) and then, at full retirement age, switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate. Click here to get additional information about Widow’s Benefits. Please bear in mind that the decision on when to apply for benefits is a personal one. We can only provide you with the information to help you make the best choice according to your own situation. If you have specific questions, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and speak with one of our representatives. We hope this information helps!
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