More than 5.8 million people received Social Security survivor benefits in September 2022. These monthly payments typically go to the spouse, former spouse or children of someone who was receiving or eligible for Social Security benefits. In some circumstances, parents, grandchildren or stepchildren of a late worker may also qualify for survivor benefits. Show In most cases, survivor benefits are based on the amount the deceased was receiving from Social Security at the time of death (or was entitled to receive if he or she died before filing for benefits). You can apply by phone at 800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office. How to Get More Out of Your Medicare & Social SecurityAARP’s free event on Medicare and Social Security benefits is now available on demand! Get answers to many of your questions on Medicare enrollment and coverage, Social Security claiming strategies and much more. Highlights include:
Watch on demand Local offices fully reopened April 7 after being closed to walk-in traffic for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Social Security recommends calling in advance and scheduling an appointment to avoid long waits. About two-thirds of recipients are widows and widowers. They can collect survivor benefits from age 60 (50 if they are disabled), at
rates ranging from 71.5 percent to 100 percent of the late spouse’s Social Security benefit, depending on the survivor’s age. There is an exception if you are caring for a child of the deceased who is under 16 or disabled; in this case there is no minimum age and the survivor benefit is 75 percent of the deceased’s Social Security payment. You need not claim survivor benefits as soon as your spouse dies or at your earliest eligibility age. There is no time limit to file, and they actually grow if you delay claiming them until you reach your full retirement age. For survivor benefits, full retirement age is currently 66 but will rise incrementally to 67 over the next several years. However, depending on your financial situation it might make sense to file as soon as possible after the death is reported to Social Security. Survivor benefits are dated from the time you apply and are not retroactive to the time of death. Also potentially eligible for survivor benefits are:
One note on how much of a late worker's benefit amount survivors can receive: Survivor benefits paid to multiple members of one family are subject to the maximum family benefit. That's a cap on how much Social Security will pay out on a single deceased worker’s earnings record. If family members’ collective survivor benefits exceed the maximum, their individual payments will be reduced proportionally to meet the cap. Keep in mind
Who qualifies for survivor Social Security benefits?A widow or widower age 60 or older (age 50 or older if they have a disability). A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances. A widow or widower 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.
When can I claim Social Security survivor benefits?The earliest a widow or widower can start receiving Social Security survivors benefits based on age will remain at age 60. Widows or widowers benefits based on age can start any time between age 60 and full retirement age as a survivor.
How do I apply for survivor benefits?Apply for Survivors Benefits
In most cases, the funeral home will report the person's death to us. You should give the funeral home the deceased person's Social Security number if you want them to make the report. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
How do I claim Social Security death benefit?You can apply for benefits by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.
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