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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: my Social Security, survivors benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Maegan
I lost my spouse in 2010 at the age of 26. We did not have any children and had been married for 4 years. Is there any benefit I should or could have been eligible for other than the one-time pay out of $255? He was my provider and no money could ever replace him. Even though we did not have children, we both still had a home. I just really think it is unfair that I only receive $255 of what he paid into Social Security. Any advice or insight as to if any other options are available would be greatly appreciated.
R.F.
Hi Maegan, based on the information you provided, as a surviving spouse, the only benefit payable to you was the lump-sum death payment of $255. To learn more about possible survivor’s benefits, please visit our “Survivors Planner: If You Are The Survivor” web page for more information. Thanks.
Cynthia M.
Thank you so much for the information! I would love to discuss this in person, but I was told I had to be 60 before I could make an appointment. Maybe that really means, I can meet in person, but I just have to sit and take a number? I was also told that once I reached age 62 I had no choice and had to switch or stop attempting to receive any benefits. My desire is to work full time until 70.5 and then retire. I am just trying to find out if I can attempt to receive benefits (taking into consideration my earnings of course), as a widow, until I want to request benefits from my own account. One resource says YES and another says NO – that once I each 62 (‘early retirement’) that means I have to switch to my benefits if I want to continue. What is the correct statement about continuing to receive survivor benefits until I am 70.5 or any age after 62 or 63/64/65/66/67/68/69? Thanks!
R.F.
Thank you for your question Cynthia. As a widow, you can receive full benefits at full retirement age for survivors or reduced benefits as early as age 60. (age 50 or over if you are disabled). When you receive benefits as a widow, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. In many cases, a widow can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate and then, at full retirement age, switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate. The rules can seem complicated and it is a good idea that you speak with one of our representatives either by phone or in the local Social Security office. Also, if you are planning on working while you receive Social Security benefits, and you know that if you make more than the yearly limit, your earnings may reduce your benefit amount, you may want to read our publication: How Work Affects Your Benefits for more information. We encourage you to call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day or later in the week. Hope this helps!
Bethany
My daughters father died over 11 years ago, at the time he was 21 (he had not worked a whole lot but did work some), I tried to get benefits and was denied because not enough credits. That was 11 years ago. Has anything changed? It’s been so hard doing it all on my own 🙁
R.F.
Rules remain the same Bethany. However, there are social services available from your state. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services. Or you can visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information. We hope this information helps!
Jennie D.
Been waiting over 3 months for the $255. lump sum payment from the death of my husband. We were both drawing social security and have no children. How long does it take to get the money?
R.F.
We are sorry to hear about your loss Jennie. Generally, you do not need to file an application for survivors’ benefits, or the Lump Sum Death Payment, if you are already getting benefits on your spouse’s record. However, if you are getting retirement or disability benefits on your own record, you must file an application. If you already applied, please continue working directly with your local Social Security office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance with your case. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
Mia
I would also like to know an approximate time frame for receiving the Lump Sum Death Payment. I have not been waiting three months, However I did apply for the Lump Sum Death Payment and received a benefit approval letter which stated that I would be receiving a check for the benefit. I would just like to know long that process should take.
R.F.
Thank you for your question Mia. You should receive the payment shortly after you receive the approval letter. If you provided direct deposit information, the payment would be deposited into your bank account. For follow up information, 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.
Danny
If a negligent parent is collecting the survivor benefit can the child receive the benefit directly when they turn 18 and are still in school? The 18 year old is not disabled. I’m asking as their high school principal on behalf of the surviving child.
R.F.
Thank you for your question Danny. Generally, we convert a student child beneficiary to direct pay when the beneficiary attains age 18, as long as the beneficiary is capable of managing his or her own benefits. If you think that someone is misusing Social Security benefits, we ask that you report it to us immediately. For more information, visit our “FAQs For Beneficiaries Who Have A Payee” webpage.
Cynthia M.
Thank you so much for the information! I would love to discuss this in person, but I was told I had to be 60 before I could make an appointment. Maybe that really means, I can meet in person, but I just have to sit and take a number. I was also told that once I reached age 62 I had no choice and had to switch or stop attempting to receive any benefits. My desire is to work full time until 70.5 and then retire. I am just trying to find out if I can attempt to receive benefits (taking into consideration my earnings of course), as a widow, until I want to request benefits from my own account. One resource says YES and another says NO – that once I each 62 (‘early retirement’) that means I have to switch to my benefits if I want to continue to attempt to receive benefits. Thanks!
Cynthia M.
Thank you for providing assistance to so many! I do understand I will make the decisions, but I have to have the facts on my options and I continue to get conflicting information. My husband died in 2007, we were married 26 years. I am 58, never remarried and work full time. What are my options related to widows benefits (under his account of course)? One source stated I could start as early as my age 60, and the amount would be reduced based on my earnings (the limit could be different from the amt stated for 2016) and even continue when I am FRA which is 66.8, but at that time, there would be no reduction based on any income I may have, and then at my age 70.5 ish, I would switch to my own retirement since it would be higher. Today, I was told nope – once I reach age 62, which is ‘early retirement age’, I HAVE to switch to my own retirement account IF I want to continue to receive any benefits( if I am no longer working of course).
This is very confusing. And I was told I could not even schedule an appointment in person to talk about this since I am under age 60. How can anyone plan without the correct information?
Thanks so much!
Cynthia
Cynthia M.
Make that 16 years married! Sorry for the typo.
R.F.
Hi Cynthia, based on your years of marriage, you seem to be eligible for reduced widow’s benefits at age 60. You could still work and receive your Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and making more than the yearly earnings limit, your wages can reduce the number of payments you receive through the year. You may continue to work and keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn, when you attain your full retirement age. If a person receives widow’s benefits, and will qualify for a retirement benefit that is more than her survivors benefit, she can switch to her own retirement benefit as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. Our system can only take applications three months in advance, we ask that you use our resources and the information we provide through our website. If you are not able to visit your local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday but you will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks.
Julie K.
My son age 25 died on July 8, 2016. On June 4, 2016 he got married. His wife who is 26 is told she will not qualify for survivor benefits nor will she be able to get the $255.00 Lump sum benefit because they were not married 9 months. What is a young widow to do/ maybe the system should consider these people as well.
R.F.
We are sorry to hear about your loss Julie. A surviving spouse or child may receive a special lump-sum death payment of $255 if they meet certain requirements. For more information about this lump-sum payment, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Thanks.
James
My father passed away June 13 2016. I was informed, I do not get $255.00 because I don’t meet the requirements. Thanks missouri for helping me and my family out in a great time of need. Thanks for letting me know your all about keeping your hands on that jar and screwing the elderly and people in need. Thanks for keeping everyone poor!!
Esther M.
I am 50 years old I am a surviving divorced spouse. I was married to my ex for 18 years we divorced in 2004 he died in 2009. My question is if I get married next year at age 51 will I lose his survivors benefits because I remarry before age 60. Thank you for your advice. I really need to know I do want to get married again
R.F.
Hi Esther, only if you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled), your remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivors benefits.
Drew M.
In my opinion, blog.ssa.gov does a good job of handling subject matter of this type! While ofttimes deliberately polemic, the material posted is in the main well-written and challenging.
http://ttree.co/85054