The loss of a family member could be devastating, both emotionally & financially. Social Security is meant to be a survivor program along with a retirement program. Most people are conscious of Social Security retirement benefits, and many may even be aware that Social Security has disability benefits, but are you aware that there are Social Security death benefits too? In this article we will discuss the one-time lump sum death benefit, per month survivor benefits, who qualifies for survivor benefits, and ways to apply for benefits when a family member dies.
One-Time Death Benefit:
You might receive a one-time payment of $255 when a family member dies, based on your relationship to them and how long they have worked. Normally, only surviving spouses and children of deceased workers qualify for the one-time death benefit. In addition, the deceased family member should have worked long enough to be insured under Social Security, but it doesn't matter if they were already collecting Social Security or not.
Death benefit payment is made to the surviving spouse living with the dead person at the time he/she passed, or if there's no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child of the dead person. Spouses who are not living together when one spouse dies could still receive the death benefit if they were eligible for benefits on the deceased spouse's earnings in the month the spouse passed. If there is no surviving spouse or child who qualifies for the payment, therefore no payment will be made.
That is a one-time, lump sum benefit; but many survivors may qualify for a monthly benefit besides the one-time death benefit.
Monthly Survivor Benefits:
In addition to the one-time payment, some family members may receive a monthly benefit for a deceased person. Widows, widowers, kids and dependent parents may qualify for monthly survivor benefits. In a few cases, even divorced widows and widowers could qualify to receive benefits when their ex-spouse dies. The per month survivor benefit is also referred to as "survivors insurance" as it's much like a life insurance policy.
To be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, the deceased worker should have worked and earned credits towards Social Security benefits. The number of years required to work depends on the age of the dead family member.
The following family members could qualify for survivor benefits:
- a widow or widower, beginning at age fifty if disabled or sixty is not disabled;
- a widow or widower who's caring for your child under the age of 16, regardless of the age of the widow or widower,
- unmarried children of the dead person also qualify if they are under age eighteen (or age twenty two if they're handicapped).
- in some cases, even grandchildren, step children or adopted children could qualify for survivor benefits.
If you are divorced, you may qualify for survivor benefits on an ex-spouse if you were married for minimum 10 years, and you are age 60 or older when your ex-spouse passes (you only have to be age 50 if you're handicapped).
Applying for Survivor Benefits:
Social Security must be notified and Social Security widow benefits should be applied for right away after a family member has passed. To do it, you can call the Social Security Administration or visit the closest office to you. You will require to provide proof of death (death certificate or proof from funeral home), your Social Security number and your dead family member's Social Security number, your birth certificate, marriage certificate if married, divorce papers if you're divorced, and income information for the deceased family member ( W-2s or income tax returns) for the most recent year.
How Are Social Security Benefits Calculated? Some Specifics And Factors Affecting The Benefits
One of the most popular Social Security questions that I hear from baby boomers getting ready to retire is "how are Social Security benefits calculated?" This is an important question because it could affect how long you need to work, whether you should continue to work during your retirement years
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Submitting Your Social Security Application: When And How
As you get closer to retirement one of your top questions is probably when and how to submit your Social Security application. Should you apply at age 62 or 66? What are the steps to applying for Social Security once you've decided to start collecting retirement benefits?
The Best Way To Apply For Social Security Benefits
Social Security was originally created to provide retirement benefits to workers, but the program has grown tremendously and now Social Security provides disability benefits, death benefits and other family benefits in addition to retirement benefits.
Social Security Survivor Benefits - What Happens To Your Social Security Benefits When A Spouse Dies
When Social Security was first established, it only paid retirement income to workers who qualified. It was later amended to include benefits for spouses and survivors, which made it more of a family or insurance plan, instead of just a retirement plan.
Present Condition Regarding Social Security Spouse And Survivor Benefits
When Social Security was established most women did not work. Lower or no earnings combined with a longer life span meant poverty for many women when their husbands passed away. Social Security recognized these challenges and have implemented several changes to the system to help women avoid poverty.
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