The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two types of benefits to eligible surviving spouses and children. Relatives of insured workers may also receive benefits. The payments survivors may receive are a monthly survivor benefit and a one-time death benefit of $255.
Ongoing Monthly Benefits for Survivors
Surviving spouses and dependents are entitled to monthly payments if certain criteria are met. This includes former spouses who were divorced from the person at the time of their death. Who receives survivor income and how much varies in each case.
Spouses
If you were married for at least nine months, you can start receiving a lifetime ongoing monthly payment when you reach age 60. If you have a disability and are 50 years old, you can receive the monthly payment. If you have a disability, it must have occurred within seven years of your spouse’s death. The age limit is waived if you are caring for a child of the deceased who is under 16 years old.
Former Spouses
If you were married to a former spouse for at least ten years and are 60 years old or older, you can receive a lifetime ongoing monthly payment. A former spouse who remarries after reaching age 60 remains eligible.
Children
If your spouse has children, they can receive monthly payments if they are under 18 years old. Their children may continue to receive monthly payments if they are under 19 years old and still in school (at the elementary or secondary level) full-time. Children who became disabled before age 22 can continue to receive monthly payments without an age limit.
Other Beneficiaries
Adopted children and stepchildren may be eligible. The parents of insured workers may qualify if they are 62 years old or older. Parents must have relied on their child for support. Additionally, they cannot have their own monthly payments equal to or greater than their child’s payments.
Benefit Amounts
The Social Security Administration determines the amounts of monthly survivor benefits based on your spouse’s or relative’s earnings. The higher their earnings over their lifetime, the greater your amounts will be. You can view your or your spouse’s earnings history and the expected amount by creating a My Social Security account online.
One-Time Death Benefit
In addition to the monthly survivor income, if you lived in the same household with your spouse, you will receive a one-time payment of $255. If you are married but living apart, you may also be able to receive the payment if you were on your spouse’s record before their death. You will receive the one-time payment if you are eligible to receive monthly income at your spouse’s death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you apply for Social Security death benefits? You can apply for Social Security death benefits by calling 1-800-772-1213 (1-800-325-0778 for the blind) or visiting your local Social Security office. You will need to provide documents, including a birth certificate, proof of citizenship if born outside the United States, military service papers if you served before 1968, last year’s W-2 forms, and the death certificate of the deceased.
How is Social Security taxed? Social Security benefits can be taxed. If you file as an individual and your combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may owe taxes on up to 50% of your benefits. If it’s more than $34,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable. For married couples filing jointly, if your income is between $32,000 and $44,000, you may have to pay taxes on up to 50% of your benefits. If your income is over $44,000, you may owe taxes on up to 85% of your benefits.
Source:
https://www.thebalancemoney.com/who-is-eligible-for-a-social-security-death-benefit-2388916
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