A spouse who survives, a surviving divorced spouse, an unmarried child, or a dependent parent could be eligible for monthly survivor benefits dependent on the deceased worker’s earnings.
In addition, a once-off lump sum death payout of $255 may be paid to a qualified spouse or child if they meet specific criteria. The surviving party must request this benefit within two years from the loss of the number of holders.
It is not possible to apply online for benefits to survivors. Suppose you want to report a death or apply for benefits for survivors. In that case, we can be reached by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, between 8 am and 7:00 pm a.m. between 8:00 am and 7 pm the local time, or visit any neighborhood Social Security office.
How Your Spouse Earns Social Security Survivors Benefits
A worker could earn up to four credits per year. In 2024, for example, your spouse makes one credit for every $1,730 in wages or self-employment income. If your spouse earned $6,920, they’ve earned four credits for the year.
The worker’s age determines the amount of credits required to receive survivors’ benefits at the time they die. Having over 40 credits (10 years of employment) to qualify for the Social Security benefit is unnecessary and optional. However, the younger an individual is, the fewer credits they need to have for their family members to be eligible for survivor benefits.
Survivors can receive benefits if they have credit for one and a half years of employment (6 credits) during the three years before their death. Every person’s situation is unique, and you should discuss your options with any of our claim reps.
Do we pay death benefits?
A lump-sum death benefit of $255 may be made to the spouse who survived if they resided with their deceased. If they lived separately and received some Social Security benefits on the dead’s account, they could be eligible for the lump sum death payout.
If there isn’t a surviving spouse, the money is paid to a child qualified for benefits on the deceased’s record at the time of death.
What is the outcome if a deceased person receives benefits every month?
If the deceased received Social Security benefits, you must repay the amount for the month the deceased died and any subsequent months.
For example, if the deceased person passes away in July, you must return the benefits received in August. The way you pay the benefits is contingent upon how the dead were able to receive benefits:
- For money received via direct deposit, Contact the bank or financial institution. Demand that any funds received one month after the date of death or later returned to us.
- The checks you receive are due to us as quickly as possible. Make sure not to cash any checks for the month that the deceased person dies or is later.
Program Description
Are you the spouse who survived or the caretaker for the child of a deceased worker? If yes, you and the child(ren) might be eligible for the lump-sum death payout of $255. You or your child(ren) must satisfy specific requirements to be eligible.
For more information, visit the If You Are The Survivor page.
General Program Requirements
In the majority of cases, you are eligible for lump-sum death benefits when you resided within the same household at the time your spouse passed away. If you lived separately and you were not living together, you could still be eligible for the lump-sum death payout if, during the month in which they died, you had one of the following conditions:
- You already had benefits from their records.
- You could be eligible for benefits upon the death of your spouse.
If there’s not a survivor spouse, a child could be eligible for the payout when in the month that the worker passed away or if they meet one of the following conditions:
- They were already receiving benefits on their file.
- They could be entitled to benefits following the death of the worker.
- If you or your surviving child is not receiving benefits, you must apply for this benefit within two years from the date of the death.
Application Process
Check out the A Special Lump-Sum Death Payment page to learn more about what you can apply for.
To determine what Social Security benefits you may be eligible for, you can use to access the SSA Best (Benefit eligibility screening tool). After you have completed the survey, you’ll receive the benefits list to go through. Print this page for your records.
To apply for benefits, go to the Apply to Social Security page. It is also possible to call the department to inquire about benefits and learn how you can apply.
Be aware of the maximum family size and other suggestions for survivors.
Other family members could be eligible for survivors in certain situations, including adopted grandchildren, stepchildren, children, or.
Parents 62 years old or older are also entitled to benefit if the spouse of the decedent for at least 50% of their financial support.
A family maximum restricts the amount of money owed when there are several family members on a record, such as the surviving mother with three children, as per Elsasser. But this is fine for retirees since ex-spouses are not considered the family maximum, he said.
In some instances, the earnings test threshold can limit the benefits you are entitled to if you also earn income.
Here are some critical suggestions for those who survived to remember:
- Some claimants might want to make an application restricted. According to Elsasser, you can receive widow’s benefits while your retirement benefits increase or reverse. For instance, you could get widow’s benefits at age 60 and switch to your retirement benefits when you reach the age of 70.
- Social Security can provide a “benefit matrix” that compares benefit options. It can provide you with how your monthly benefits and the benefits for survivors are comparable. “We always advise our clients that if they’re trying for the most effective option for their benefit and the surviving spouse’s benefit, call SSA and ask for the benefits matrix that provides the information you require to make a choice,” said Marc Kiner the director of Premier Social Security Consulting.
- Social Security will not tell you which strategy will earn the most benefits over your lifetime. Although Social Security personnel may tell you how to maximize your maximum benefit each time you go to an office or phone, they won’t necessarily advise you on how to reap the most benefits throughout your life, Elsasser said. Therefore, it’s better to seek more individualized advice from an outside source to determine the most effective strategy to suit your needs.
Maximum Family Amount
There is a limit on how much family members can be paid monthly. The amount varies in each case but is usually equivalent to 150 percent or 180% of the base benefits amount.
Benefits will be cut in proportion if the total benefits paid to family members exceed the limit. Benefits paid to a spouse who has died because of age or disability will not be counted towards this limit.
Other Things You Need to Know
There are restrictions on the amount that survivors could make while receiving benefits.
The benefits of a spouse who is surviving or divorced spouse who has survived can be affected by many other factors:
- If you get married before sixty (age fifty if you are suffering from an impairment), then you are not eligible for benefits as a survivor spouse during the time you’re married.
If you get married after sixty (age 50 if you suffer from an impairment), you’ll remain qualified for benefits under the spouse’s Social Security record. - If you’re a surviving or divorcing spouse, you can change your retirement benefits at 62. If you’re qualified to retire and your retirement rate is greater than the rate you receive as a surviving spouse or divorced spouse.
In many cases, the spouse who is surviving can begin receiving one benefit at a lower cost and then allow the benefit amount to grow.
Suppose you also receive pension benefits based on your jobs not covered under Social Security, such as foreign or government work or foreign work. Your Social Security benefits as a survivor might be affected in that case.
A Special Lump-Sum Death Payment
A survivor spouse or child could receive a lump-sum death payout of $255 if they fulfill certain conditions.
Generally, the lump sum will be paid to the deceased spouse living within the same household as the deceased worker at the time of death. If they lived apart in the same household, the spouse with the last name may still be eligible for the lump-sum in case, during the month that the worker passed away and they had one of the following criteria:
- Already receiving benefits through the worker’s file.
- In the event of the death of the worker.
If no spouse is surviving, the lump-sum is payable to the child of the worker (or children) when, in the month that the worker passed away or was killed, the child meets some of the requirements conditions:
- Already receiving benefits on the worker’s file.
The worker was eligible for benefits after the worker’s death.
If the spouse eligible to be a surviving spouse or child isn’t benefiting, the family should apply for benefits within two years from the date of the death. - For more information on this lump-sum payout, contact the neighborhood Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).