Social Security Benefits

*Frequently Asked Questions About Reporting And Receiving Benefits*

How can Social Security help your family?
Survivors benefits help to ease the financial burden that follows a worker’s death. Almost all children under the age of 18 will get monthly benefits if a working parent dies. Other family members may be eligible for benefits, too. Anyone who has worked and paid social security (FICA) taxes has been earning benefits for his or her family. The amount of work needed to pay survivors benefits depends on the worker’s age at the time of death. (No one needs more than 10 years)
Who qualifies for survivors benefits?

  • Widows and widowers age 60 or older
     
  • Widows and widowers at any age if caring for the deceased’s child(ren) who are under the age of 16 or disabled
     
  • Divorced wives and husbands age 60 or older, if married to the deceased 10 or more years
     
  • Widows, widowers, divorced wives, and husbands age 50 or older, if they are disabled
     
  • Children up to age 18
     
  • Children age 18-19 if they attend elementary school or high school full time
     
  • Children over 18, if they became disabled before the age of 22
     
  • Parents of the deceased worker age 62 or older if they were being supported by the worker
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    Can I receive help with the burial expenses?

    In addition to the monthly benefits for family members, a one-time payment of $255.00 can be paid to a spouse who was living with the worker at the time of death. If there is none, it can be paid to:

  • A spouse who is eligible for benefits
  • A child or children eligible for benefits
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    *This payment cannot be made if there is no eligible spouse or child*

    Who contacts Social Security Administration in the event of a death?

    Your funeral director is helping the Social Security office by giving you this information about benefits. Your funeral director will notify Social Security Administration with form SSA-721 or STATEMENT OF DEATH BY FUNERAL DIRECTOR promptly after a death has occurred. If the deceased was receiving benefits, please contact Social Security to report the death. If you think you may be eligible for survivors benefits, you should contact Social Security to apply. Please see your funeral director for additional information.

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