Social Security pays several different types ofbenefits, as its official name, Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), implies. Those eligible to collect Social Security benefits upon retirement may qualify for survivor benefits for their spouse or dependents in the event of their death.
Key Takeaways
- Individuals who qualify to collect Social Security when they retire may be eligible for survivor benefits after they die.
- Survivor benefits are available to widows and widowers, minor children, older disabled children, and dependent parents.
- Stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and adopted children can sometimes collect benefits.
How to Qualify
Individuals must work to earn at least 40 Social Security credits to be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. For their loved ones to be eligible for survivor benefits, the number of credits depends on the individual's age at death. The younger they are, the fewer credits they need.
For 2024, workers receive one credit for every $1,730 they earn up to $6,920, for four credits a year. It commonly takes ten years of employment and paying Social Security taxes for an individual to reap the benefits. Those who qualify for survivor benefits include:
- A widow(er) age 60 or older (age 50 or older if they are disabled)
- A widow(er) of any age who has not remarried and is caring for the deceased's child (or children) under age 16 or disabled
- An unmarried child of the deceased who is younger than age 18 (or up to age 19 if a full-time student in an elementary or secondary school), or 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22
- A stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or adopted child, under certain circ*mstances
- Parents, age 62 or older, who were dependent on the deceased for at least half of their income and whose own Social Security benefit would not be larger than that of the deceased offspring
- A surviving divorced spouse, if they meet other eligibility requirements
Calculating Benefits
A one-time death benefit payment of $255 is paid to the surviving spouse or a child eligible for benefits on the deceased's record in the month of death. If the death leaves a spouse with dependent children, a special provision allows benefits to be paid to them if the deceased has earned six credits or more within the three calendar years before death.
As with regular retirement benefits, the amount of survivor benefits a family gets is based on average lifetime earnings. The more an individual earns, the higher the benefit. Benefit amounts are based on how much the deceased would have collected at full retirement age if still living.
For those who claim benefits before full or normal retirement age, resulting in a decreased payout, any benefits paid to surviving family members will be based on that reduced amount. In addition, the age at which a spouse or dependents begin collecting will affect the size of their benefit.
Individuals who collect Social Security benefits before they reach normal retirement age receive a reduced benefit, and after death, their surviving spouse will, too.
Benefit Amounts
Spouses: A widow or widower at full retirement age can receive 100% of the deceased's benefit. A widow or widower between 60 and full retirement age can receive 71.5% to 99% of that benefit. A disabled widow or widower, aged 50 through 59, can receive 71.5%. A widow or widower of any age caring for a child under age 16 can receive 75%. Divorced spouses may be eligible to receive the same percentages as widows and widowers.
Children: Children under age 18 (or 19, if still attending primary or secondary school) and disabled dependent childrencan receive 75% of the deceased's benefit.
Dependent Parent: A surviving dependent parent can receive 82.5% of the benefit; if two dependent parents survive, they areeligible to collect 75% each.
Rules for Surviving Spouses
Surviving spouses who already claim retirement benefits can only apply for benefits as a widow or widower if the current retirement benefit is less than the survivor benefit. Social Security pays the higher of the two benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) gives survivors eligible for retirement benefits but who haven't applied yet, an additional option.
They can apply for retirement or survivor benefits and switch to the higher benefit. If both payouts are about the same, spouses take the survivor benefit at age 60. It's reduced because the survivor takes it early, but can collect that benefit from age 60 to 70 while their retirement benefit grows. Survivors can collect their benefit at age 70 when it maxes out.
Conversely, if the survivor's benefit is smaller than the survivor's benefit even at age 70, they can take a reduced benefit atage 62. Then, at age 66,they switch over to the survivor benefit. However, the survivor benefit would be reduced since it was taken early or before full retirement age.
Surviving spouses should contact the Social Security Administration to discuss which benefit to take first before applying for either benefit to choose the option that best fits their financial circ*mstances.
Blackout Period
A surviving spouse generally doesn't qualify for their benefitsuntil age 60. However, they can collect payouts as the caregiver for the deceased's children under age 16. Children then qualify for benefits paid to the surviving parent until they turn 18 or 19 if they are still in school. A blackout occurs between the child's 18th birthday when their survivor benefits cease and the spouse's 60th birthday when their benefits resume.
If a woman is left widowed at the age of 30 with a two-year-old son, she is entitled to collect Social Security benefits for 14 years, until his 16th birthday. After that, her son gets survivor benefits for two more years, until he's 18. His mom will be 46 at that point, leaving the family ineligible for any payments until her widow's benefits become available when she's 60. In this case, the Social Security blackout period lasts 14 years.
One possible solution is for families to have adequate life insurance to support a surviving spouse during any blackout period. If a couple buys two 30-year term life insurance policies at age 31, they'll be assured coverage until age 61.
If three or more family members receive survivor benefits, they may be subject to Social Security's rules that limit the maximum family benefit.
How Do Survivors Apply for Benefits?
Social Security death benefits are available to surviving spouses and dependents of workers who paid into the Social Security fund and worked long enough to earn benefits. Because individual circ*mstances vary widely, survivors can apply over the phone or by appointment at a local Social Security office. Applying for survivor benefits may require certain documents, such as a death certificate, marriage certificate, proof of citizenship, or a divorce decree.
How Long Do Individuals Have to Be Married to Get Social Security Survivor Benefits?
A surviving spouse must have been married for at least one year to be eligible to receive their spouse's Social Security death benefits. However, if the surviving spouse is the parent of the spouse's child, the one-year rule is waived. A divorced spouse may be eligible to receive benefits if they were married to their former spouse for at least 10 years.
What If a Surviving Spouse Already Applied for Their Own Social Security Benefit?
There's an exception for those who recently applied for retirement benefits. If a spouse became entitled to retirement benefits less than 12 months ago, they may be able to withdraw their retirement application and apply for survivor benefits only. They can then reapply for your retirement benefits when the benefits are higher.
How Long Can Individuals Receive Social Security Survivor Benefits?
Social Security survivor benefits are payable to the surviving spouse for the remainder of their life. Restrictions apply for divorced spouses eligible to receive benefits. Benefits for surviving children end at age 18 or 19 if they are still in school. For surviving children who became disabled before age 22, their benefits continue for life.
The Bottom Line
Social Security doesn't only pay out benefits to retirees, it also pays out benefits to the disabled and to the spouses and dependents of those who were eligible or receiving benefits before they passed away.
