 Social
Security Benefits for Survivors / Death Benefits
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. 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 death
benefits,
you should apply for survivors' benefits promptly because, in some
cases,
benefits may not be retroactive. You can apply by calling 1-800-722-1213
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 number, if available
- Deceased worker's W-2 form 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 you 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 you 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 you age and type of benefit for which
you are eligible. The most typical situations are:
- Widow or widower, age 65 or older -100%
- Widow or widower, age 60-64 - about 71% - -94%
- Widow, any age, with a child under age16 - 75%
- Children - 75%
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 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
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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