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.
janice t.
My husband died 2/19/18, I as well as the funeral director notified Social Security, I received a check for my husband for March, am I entitled to this check, it was direct deposited. My husband is Michael Taurino
R.F.
We are sorry for your loss, Janice. To be eligible for a Social Security benefit payment, a person has to live throughout the entire month. If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death or any later months.
Keep in mind that Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. For example, if the person dies in February, you must return the benefit paid in March.
Sometimes the bank will return the Social Security payments when they’re notified of the beneficiary’s passing.
To see if you’re eligible for survivor’s benefits, call us at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Or contact the local office directly. Thanks.
mason
my daughter was murdered n i currently can not work am i able to get any help
or benefits
R.F.
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. However, if a person believes they are disabled and meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply for disability starting from when they became disabled. You can apply online, which is quick and easy.
You can also apply by calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or you can contact your local Social Security office directly.
For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. Thanks.
James G.
My wife died. How do I notify SSA. What do I do.
R.F.
We’re very sorry for your loss, James. In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death to Social Security.
You cannot report a death or apply for survivors’ benefits online. If you need to report a death, or to see if you qualify for any benefits, you must contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 ( TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
Vanessa E.
Can I recieve money from losing my child, and parents..I was told I could from losing my parents but I dont know if I can from lising my son? Supposedly $250?
Robert S.
I am a service connected veteran 70% my wife has passed away from cancer and was on ssid. I was told I can apply for her benefits and collect them.
R.F.
We are sorry for your loss, Robert. As a widower you may start receiving reduced benefits as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled AND the disability started before or within seven years of your spouse’s death).
As for disability benefits, please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veteran’s benefits. We use the same definition of disability for widows and widowers as we do for workers.
Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.
You cannot apply online for survivor’s benefits. To see if you’re eligible or to make an appointment, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 to request an appointment. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
alin m.
Hard to reach you by phone. I need to let you know that my father died at 3:02 am on January, 09,2018
Alexander, John, SON
Dob:10.13.1926 in IASI,ROMANIA
SSN:*** – ** – ***
Address:8608 SEAYS Rd.,SPOTSYLVANIA,Va
,22551
R.F.
We are sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
Usually, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by contacting the local Social Security office.
Generally when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
robert c.
so I payed $50,000 dollars in ss in my lifetime and you give my kid $255.00 dollars?
robert c.
Who gets this money when I croak some smart ass that works for SS am I paying to keep them employed? HMM it smells pretty wrong to me. I call on the government to take a look at this fleecing of Americans, how much interest is being earned off of Social Security. If this is not thievery then what is ? You make me pay all my life and when I die you just keep it are you kidding me!!!!
Jeremy S.
If I die how can I let my Children get my benefits instead of my ex wife
R.F.
Hi Jeremy. To learn more about who can get survivor’s benefits, visit our Survivors Planner: Planning For Your Survivors. Thanks!
Mark D.
When i was 17 years old my dad died and he was drawing ssi. I only received one check after his death and then ssi cut the check off. Is there anyway to receive the rest of the due amount now
R.F.
Hi Mark. 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 agents should be able to answer your questions about this matter. 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.
Edna
My dad is a widower
He is dating someone who is 59 he is 83
She wants to marry him keeps asking when
What is the rule/law if they marry and my dad passes
Away in 1-2 years his health ok right now*
Does she collect his social security..
Edna r
R.F.
Thank you for your question Edna. A surviving spouse can start receiving widow’s benefits at age 60 (age 50 if disabled). Generally, a surviving spouse must meet a 9 -months duration-of-marriage requirement. We hope this information helps.