What Are Social Security Survivors Benefits?

Social Security survivors benefits are monthly payments made to eligible family members when a loved one who contributed to Social Security passes away. These benefits provide a financial cushion beyond life insurance and savings, helping families navigate through difficult times.

Who Is Eligible for Social Security Survivors Benefits?

Eligibility for Social Security survivors benefits depends on the deceased’s work history and the relationship to the deceased. Here are the main categories:

Surviving Spouses

• Reduced benefits starting at age 60.
• Full benefits at age 50 if disabled.
• Full benefits at any age if caring for a child under 16 or disabled.

Surviving Divorced Spouses

• Same benefits as surviving spouses if the marriage lasted 10 years or more.
• Full benefits if caring for the deceased’s child under 16 or disabled.

Unmarried Children

• Benefits if under 18 (or 19 if in secondary school) or any age if disabled before 22.

Dependent Parents

• Benefits if at least 62 years old and received at least half of their support from the deceased.

How Much Are Social Security Survivors Benefits?

The amount of survivors benefits depends on the deceased’s average lifetime earnings. The more they earned and paid into Social Security, the higher the benefits. Here are some typical percentages:

• 100% for a surviving spouse at full retirement age.
• 71.5% to 99% for a surviving spouse aged 60 or older but not yet at full retirement age.
• 75% for a surviving spouse of any age with a child under 16.
• 75% for a child under 18 (or 19 if in secondary school) or any age if disabled.
• 82.5% for one dependent parent aged 62 or older, or 75% to each parent if two surviving parents.

Additionally, a one-time lump sum death payment of $255 may be available to a surviving spouse or child.

How to Apply for Survivors Benefits

To apply for Social Security survivors benefits, you need to contact your local Social Security Office or reach them by phone. You will need to provide information and documents such as proof of death, Social Security numbers, birth and marriage certificates, the deceased’s last tax return, and your bank account information.

Are Social Security Survivors Benefits Taxable?

Whether you pay taxes on your Social Security benefits depends on your combined income. Here are the guidelines:

• Individual filers with combined income between $25,000 and $34,000 might owe taxes on up to 50% of survivors benefits.
• Individual filers with combined income exceeding $34,000 might pay taxes on up to 85% of survivors benefits.
• Joint filers with combined income between $32,000 and $44,000 might owe taxes on up to 50% of survivors benefits.
• Joint filers with combined income exceeding $44,000 might pay taxes on up to 85% of survivors benefits.

Protect Your Benefits

Social Security benefits can be vulnerable to fraud. Keep Social Security numbers secure and remain vigilant. The Social Security Administration usually contacts beneficiaries through mailed letters, phone calls, or home visits with proper identification. If you receive suspicious contact, do not provide any money or information and contact the administration immediately.