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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Gale D.
Social Security deposited checks in to my dads account and we used it to pay for his cremation, then they turned around and withdrew the money one day later. THEY ARE NOT THERE FOR YOU!
Linda R.
I wish it were that easy. I have been a widow for 7 years and I was able to start collecting survivor benefits 6 years ago. However, I have been treated badly by some of the agents I have dealt with over the past 7 years. It’s hard enough trying to make ends meet, but would it be so bad to have someone from the agency there to help instead of insult, degrade and humiliate you year after year. Agent’s always have a different answer. I am sending my case to my local Congressman to see if he can get me some answers. Fighting for what you are entitled to is an insult to the memory of my late husband.
Debra
I am a divorced spouse was married 16 years. I was getting disability and he made more than I did so I applied and got approved. payments should run 475. a month. The question is since I didnt know that I was eligible until this year. and I have been divorced and unmarried since 2010. Shouldnt I get back pay back to my divorce date.?
R.F.
Hi Debra and thank you for your question. Individuals must officially file an application to receive the Social Security benefits they may be entitled to. Also, we generally allow up to six months of retroactivity payments, only after the applicant has reached his or her full retirement age. No retroactive benefits are payable for any month before individuals reach their full retirement age. Please visit our web page, “If You Are Divorced” for more information on this topic.
Unfortunately, but for your security, we do not have access to personal information in this blog. In your situation, it is best to contact your local office or to call our toll free telephone number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
Ali S.
If I die how social security help my family for my burial, while we have no money and we receive SSA+SSI .
ronald b.
my spouse has passed away who was on SS what do I do?
R.F.
We are sorry for your loss, Ronald. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by contacting the local Social Security office. To verify this information was reported, and to see if you are eligible for survivor’s benefits, 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 you can contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks.
Karen D.
Hello,
My son passed away in March of 2017. Four children are currently receiving his death benefit. One of the children has been adopted by the biological mother’s new husband. My son was listed on the birth certificate as the father. Neither parent took DNA test even though there was suspicion by son he may not be the father. After their split, the mother never pursued child support. This is concerning to me as she would know DNA test would be done. Now that my son is deceased, I am questioning how do I request SS to pursue DNA testing to verify he is in deed my son’s child? I believe it needs to be proven, so that the other 3 children would receive and increased benefit if the one child is truly not my son’s child. In my opinion it would be fraudulent if a child who is not the biological child of my son is receiving his death benefit. Please advise. Thank you!
Wendy L.
Hello. I want to get a verification letter that my children receive social security benefits.
R.F.
Hi, Wendy. Unfortunately, you cannot request a benefit verification letter online for another person, such as a spouse or child. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or visit your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!
Shane A.
I just recently lost my mother on the first, and i need to know if there is anything i can do, my dad is over the age of 62, but he only gets social security, which is barely 500 dollars, my mother was 75% of the income due to me fighting for disibility right now, im 28 years old and i dont know if either me or him can get survivors benefits or anything to help us before we lose everything, *note* he was not married to my mother, but together for 35 years
K.O.
Hello Shane. We are sorry to hear of your loss. In cases where a common-law marriage may be involved, Social Security follows the state laws. To get survivors or spouses benefits you generally must live in a state that recognizes common-law marriage. Please check the laws in your state. For further assistance, 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. Thanks.
Elmer M.
I am 44 years old and have 2 children, ages 9 and 12. My wife, their mother is dying. She is 38. Am I correct in understanding that due to our age I would receive 75% of her social security as a widower? In addition, would our children each receive and amount as well?
Thank you.
R.F.
We are sorry to hear about your wife’s medical condition Elmer. A widow or widower caring for a child under age 16, could receive 75 percent of the worker’s benefit amount. Click here to see examples of the benefits that survivors may receive. Please visit our Survivors Planner web page, for additional information. Thanks.
geneva
my husband passed away march 9th what do i haft to do to get the $255 or do they just send it to u
R.F.
We are sorry to hear of your loss Geneva. Generally, the lump-sum death payment, is paid to the surviving spouse who was living in the same household with the worker when they died. There may be other survivor’s benefits involved. You must contact us to apply for survivor’s benefits, by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting 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 apply. We hope this helps.
Ann
Dear Sir,
I’m 55 years old and my husband just passed away. I work, but could you tell me would I qualify for his social security, or anything? I’m scared about being able to make ends meet financially and don’t know what to do. Thank you.
R.F.
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Ann. Usually, the funeral director will report the person’s death to Social Security. However, it is important to let us know when a person dies as soon as possible. In addition to a Lump-Sum Death Payment, you may also be eligible for reduced widow’s benefits as early as age 60 (age 50 if you are disabled). At this time, we do not offer an online application for survivors benefits. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. You can also contact your local Social Security office directly. For more information, please read our publication How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies. Thank you.
Lisa o.
My husband die aug 30 2017 how do I reserve the 255.00 for death benefit please need help on this !!!!
R.F.
We are sorry to hear about your loss, Lisa. If your husband worked long enough to be insured under Social Security, you may be eligible for the Lump-Sum Death Payment. Also, you may be eligible for Survivor’s Benefits. At this time, we do not offer an online application for survivor’s benefits. Please call 1-800-772-1213 to report the death and to apply for benefits. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. 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. For more information, please read How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies. Thank you.