You’ve likely noticed that Social Security coming out of your paycheck each month – but the intricacies of Social Security often remain a mystery to many. That mystery can be compounded when a loved one passes away and you become qualified for survivors’ benefits.
Social Security benefits for survivors are intended to help make up for loss of income when an individual passes away. Since that person is no longer around to collect on their benefits, family members can apply to receive the funds.
If you’re in this position, you likely have many questions – do I qualify? How do I begin the process? What amount will my family receive and for how long?
Related: Financing Retirement: Social Security, Pensions and Personal Savings (Podcast 19)
Today, we’re exploring Social Securities benefits from the perspective of a “survivor” to help you navigate the process and successfully claim your benefits.
6 Common Questions (and Answers) About Social Security Benefits for Survivors
Are there Social Security benefits of divorced spouses? What about Social Security benefits maximums? We’re answering all of these questions and more.
1. What are Social Security benefits for survivors?
Social Security survivors benefits are meant to replace loss of income due to the death of a loved one who would have otherwise collected their own Social Security. These benefits are managed and distributed by the Social Security Administration, and usually paid to “widows, widowers and dependents of eligible workers.”
2. How do I know if I qualify?
The Social Security administration lists out the usual qualifying individuals, including:
- Surviving spouse age 60 or older (age 50 or older if they have a disability).
- Surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances.
- Note that Social Security Benefits of a divorced spouse can be impacted by remarriage.
- Surviving spouse at any age who is caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or has a disability and receiving child’s benefits.
Additionally, unmarried children under the age of 18 or with a disability that began before the age of 22 can usually qualify. Full-time students in secondary school (high school) can qualify up to age 19.
Note: There are other situations where you could qualify depending on the circumstances (step-children, grandchildren, dependent parents, etc.) – but these are more unusual.
3. How do I claim survivorship benefits?
To claim benefits, you’ll have to fill out an application over the phone or in person at a Social security office. Currently, there’s no way to apply for survivors benefits online.
Click here to find the office nearest you.
You can also click here to download the forms and documents you’ll need on hand during the application process.
4. If I’m claiming benefits as a widow or widower, would remarrying affect my benefits?
Social Security benefits after a spouse’s death can be confusing. Many often wonder if remarrying after a spouse passes away will affect their survivors benefits. The answer: It depends.
Mostly, it depends on your age. Those over the age of 60 can remarry and still receive benefits, while those under the age of 60 cannot. If you’re 59 years old and get remarried, you’ll have to forfeit any of those benefits you would otherwise have qualified for.
5. How do survivors’ benefits work for minors, dependents or those with a disability?
Children that qualify can receive up to 75% of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit.
Note: Children may also qualify for other benefits if their parent is retired or disabled and entitled to Social Security benefits. You can reach out to the Social Security Administration directly to ask for more information about benefits for children.
6. Is there a Social Security benefits maximum?
The Social Security Administration states:
“We base your survivors’ benefit amount on the earnings of the person who died. The more they paid into Social Security, the higher your benefits would be.”
Your specific amount will also depend on your marriage status, disability status and age. For example, a 68-year-old surviving spouse would most likely receive 100% of their partner’s benefit amount. However, a 38-year-old surviving spouse with a young child would only receive 75% in most cases.
You should be aware that there is a Social Security benefits max payout amount per family, which is “the maximum monthly amount that can be paid on a worker’s earnings record.” You can find more information about how to calculate your family’s specific maximum Social Security earnings by clicking here, or by connecting with a qualified professional such as a financial advisor.
Note: You may also qualify for a one-time lump sum payment of $255 if you meet certain criteria. This lump sum payment is reserved for surviving spouses and children of qualifying individuals. Applications for the payment must be made over the phone or in person at your local Social Security office.
Social Security may seem complicated, but with the right knowledge and access to experienced professionals, you can easily navigate survivors’ benefits to claim your funds.
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