Although many people don't know it, spouses and dependent children are
not entitled to a deceased's social security benefits. In fact, to cash
the Social Security checks of a deceased person, even if you are the widow,
widower or a dependent child, may result in criminal charges being filed.
First, contact the SSA and inform them of the death. (See
sample SSA letter) The Social Security Administration provides a one-time
lump sum benefit of $255, usually payable to the surviving spouse. In
many instances, a surviving spouse and / or dependent child may be eligible
for monthly Social Security survivors' benefits if he or she meets certain
criteria. The only way to know for sure is to contact the Social Security
Administration at www.ssa.gov
or 1-800-772-1213 and request a Form SSA-7004 (Request of Personal
Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement).
How To Apply for Social Security Benefits
How you sign up for survivors benefits depends on whether or not you're getting other Social Security benefits.
If you aren't currently receiving Social Security benefits, you should
apply for survivors' benefits promptly because, in some cases, benefits
may not be retroactive. You can apply by calling 1-800-772-1213 or any
Social Security office.
You'll need to have certain information to process your application,
but don't delay applying if you don't have all the information listed
here. It's more important that you start the process right away. The SSA
will help you find the appropriate information. The required information
includes:
- Proof of death - either from funeral home or certified death certificate
- Your Social Security number, as well as the deceased's
- Your birth certificate
- Your marriage certificate if you're a widow or widower
- Your divorce papers if you're applying as a surviving divorced spouse
- Dependent children's Social Security numbers, if available
- Deceased worker's W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax return for the most recent year
- The name of your bank and your account number, so your benefits can be directly
deposited into your account
Upon the death of your spouse, if you're currently receiving Social Security
benefits as a wife or husband on your spouse's record, you should report
the death to the SSA and have them change your payments to survivors' benefits.
If you're receiving benefits on your own record, you'll need to complete an application to apply for survivors' benefits. If you contact the SSA, they will calculate the benefit for you and tell you whether you can receive more money as a widow or widower. You will have to provide a certified death certificate to process the SSA claim.
How much will your Social Security survivors'
benefits be?
The amount of your benefit is based on the earnings of the person who
died. The more he or she paid into Social Security, the higher your benefits
will be. The amount you will receive is calculated as a percentage of
the deceased's basic Social Security benefit. The percentage used depends
on your age and the type of benefit for which you are eligible. The most
typical situations are:
- Widow or widower, age 65 or older - 100 percent
- Widow or widower, age 60-64 - about 71-94 percent
- Widow, any age, with a child under age 16 - 75 percent
- Children - 75 percent
There is a limit to the amount of money that can be paid to you and other family
members each month. The limit varies, but it is generally equal to about
150 to 180 percent of the deceased's benefit rate. If the sum of the benefits
payable to family members is greater than this limit, the benefits will
be reduced proportionately.
If you would like to get an estimate of the Social Security survivors' benefits that could be paid to your family, contact the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov, or 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a Form SSA-7004 (Request for Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement).
Within four to six weeks after you complete and return the form to the SSA, you will receive a statement showing an estimate of survivors' benefits, as well as an estimate of retirement and disability benefits and other important information.
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