Claiming Social Security survivor benefits
The money that goes unclaimed, and how to claim it.
In short
If your person paid into Social Security, you may be owed two things: a one time payment of 255 dollars, and monthly survivor benefits that can continue for years. You cannot apply for survivor benefits online. You call, or you visit. Families leave this money unclaimed every year simply because nobody told them.
Time
one call to start.
Cost
free, never pay anyone to file this.
When
soon, some benefits pay from the application date rather than the date of loss.
Who
spouse, ex spouse after a ten year marriage, dependent children, dependent parents.
Who qualifies
A surviving spouse from age 60, or 50 if disabled, or any age while caring for the child under 16.
A divorced spouse if the marriage lasted ten years.
Unmarried children under 18, or 19 if still in high school, or any age if disabled before 22.
Dependent parents over 62 in some cases.
The two benefits
The lump sum: 255 dollars, once, usually to the spouse.
The monthly benefit: based on your person's earnings record. A spouse at full retirement age can receive the full amount.
If you already receive Social Security yourself, you generally get the higher amount, not both, and the timing of your claim changes the math. Ask SSA directly.
The steps
Watch-outs
- Payments made after the month of loss must be returned; do not spend that deposit.
- Some benefits are not retroactive, so do not wait.
Related
- Survivor Benefits 101
- Reporting the loss to Social Security
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