While most people know about retirement, disability and supplemental security income programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you may be unaware of benefits available to your survivors if you pass away.
Like Social Security Disability (SSD), eligibility for survivor insurance benefits relies on time in the American work force paying into the program through payroll taxes. Like SSD, you must earn work credits to obtain benefits for your immediate survivors. Under social security law, your age determines the required number of work credits and your average lifetime wages determines the amount paid out on a monthly basis.
Survivor insurance benefits are available to the following family members:
- Your spouse can receive survivor benefits at retirement age or sooner if disabled or choosing to receive reduced benefits. If you have children under 16 or a disabled child, your spouse can receive survivor benefits at any age.
- Like SSD family benefits, survivor benefits are available to unmarried children under age 18, or age 19 if receiving primary education. Unmarried children who became disabled prior to 22 are eligible for survivor benefits at any age.
- Depending on your work record, your dependent parents may be eligible for survivor benefits.
- Stepchildren, grandchildren and adopted children may also be eligible to receive survivor benefits based on your work record.
- If you have been divorced, your ex-partner may be eligible for benefits if still unmarried and age 60 or older. Divorced spouses may also be eligible for benefits at a younger age if caring for a child younger than 16 or who is disabled.
You and family members need to understand all benefits due you as a citizen and worker in the United States. If you have questions about survivor benefits, speak with a social security attorney at our law firm. We are here to help.