When someone receiving SSDI passes away, their family members may qualify for survivor benefits. Here's what you need to know about this important protection.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What survivor benefits are
- Who qualifies
- How much survivors receive
- How to apply
1. What Survivor Benefits Are
The basics:
- Monthly payments to family members
- Based on deceased worker's earnings record
- Similar to SSDI but for survivors
- Different from SSI (which ends at death)
How they work:
- Deceased worked and paid Social Security taxes
- Earned enough work credits
- Family members can receive payments
- Based on deceased's benefit amount
Key distinction:
- SSDI: Benefit for disabled worker
- Survivor benefits: Benefits for family after worker dies
- Can receive survivor benefits even if worker wasn't disabled
- Different eligibility rules
2. Who Qualifies
Surviving spouse:
- Age 60+ (reduced benefit)
- Age 50+ if disabled
- Any age if caring for child under 16
- Must have been married at least 9 months (exceptions apply)
Divorced spouse:
- Marriage lasted 10+ years
- Age 60+ (or 50+ if disabled)
- Currently unmarried (some exceptions)
- Same benefits as current spouse
Children:
- Unmarried under 18 (or 19 if in school)
- Disabled before age 22
- Biological, adopted, or dependent stepchildren
- Each child can receive benefits
Dependent parents:
- Age 62+
- Received at least half support from deceased
- Less common but available
Lump-sum death payment:
- $255 one-time payment
- Goes to spouse or child
- Must apply within 2 years
- Limited amount but automatic
Important: Multiple family members can receive survivor benefits at the same time, subject to family maximum.
3. How Much Survivors Receive
Percentages of deceased's benefit:
- Surviving spouse (full retirement age): 100%
- Surviving spouse (age 60-FRA): 71.5%-99%
- Surviving spouse (age 50+ disabled): 71.5%
- Surviving spouse with child: 75%
- Child: 75%
- Dependent parent (one): 82.5%
- Dependent parents (two): 75% each
Family maximum:
- Total family benefits capped
- Usually 150-180% of worker's benefit
- Individual benefits may be reduced proportionally
- Still substantial support
Example:
- Deceased's benefit was $2,000
- Widow with two children
- Each might receive: Widow $1,500, Child 1 $750, Child 2 $750 (before family max adjustment)
- Family maximum may reduce individual amounts
Factors affecting amount:
- Deceased's lifetime earnings
- When survivor applies (age matters for spouse)
- Other benefits survivor receives
- Work history of survivor
4. How to Apply
When to apply:
- As soon as possible after death
- Benefits may be retroactive (limited)
- Don't delay
- Can apply before final decisions are made
Where to apply:
- Call SSA: 1-800-772-1213
- Visit local Social Security office
- Can't apply online for survivor benefits
- Appointment usually needed
What you'll need:
- Deceased's Social Security number
- Death certificate
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Birth certificates (for children)
- Your Social Security number
- Bank information for direct deposit
The process:
- Contact SSA to report death
- Schedule appointment
- Provide required documents
- SSA calculates benefit
- Payments begin
Special Situations
Disabled widow(er):
- Can receive at age 50
- Must be disabled
- Disability must have begun within 7 years of spouse's death
- Or within 7 years of last receiving benefits
Remarriage:
- Remarrying before 60 ends benefits (usually)
- Remarrying after 60: Can keep benefits
- Disabled widow remarrying after 50: Can keep benefits
- Complex rules apply
Working while receiving:
- Under Full Retirement Age: Earnings limit applies
- Benefits reduced if you earn too much
- At FRA or older: No reduction
- Similar to regular Social Security
Already receiving other Social Security:
- May be able to switch to survivor benefit
- Usually receive higher of the two
- Timing matters
- Get advice on best strategy
SSI vs. Survivor Benefits
Key differences:
- SSI ends when recipient dies
- Survivor benefits continue for family
- Different programs entirely
- May qualify for both (switch to survivor)
If deceased was on SSI:
- SSI doesn't provide survivor benefits
- Family may qualify for other programs
- Check all options
- Burial fund may have been set aside
How Purple Helps
- Clear tracking of benefit deposits
- Easy to manage finances during difficult times
- Direct deposit for survivor benefits
- Simple banking interface
- Support when you need it