Losing a loved one can feel truly overwhelming. From paperwork to arrangements to finances, the to-do list can be daunting in an already vulnerable time.
One of the things that can help ease families’ financial burden when a loved one passes is understanding and utilizing Social Security Survivor benefits.
How do Social Security Survivor Benefits work?
Simply put, when you pay into Social Security, a portion of your taxes go toward survivor benefits for workers and families. Throughout your working years, those contributions earn you credits toward your survivor benefits.
The amount of your survivor benefit depends on your age when you pass away. Generally speaking, the younger you are, the less time you will have worked. However, under the Social Security special rule, if you have worked one-and-a-half years in the three years before your passing, your family could receive benefits. Also, keep in mind that nobody needs to work for more than 10 years to receive some kind of Social Security Survivor benefits.
Can you receive Social Security survivor benefits?
Understanding your eligibility for Social Security survivor benefits can help you and your family in the aftermath of your loved one’s passing. You may qualify for benefits if you fall into one of these categories:
Widows and widowers:
- A widow or widower may be able to take survivor benefits when they reach full retirement age.
- Alternatively, they could choose to take a reduced benefit starting at age 60.
- If the widow or widower has a disability, they can receive benefits as early as 50 years old.
- If the widow or widower is taking care of your children, they may be eligible to start receiving benefits sooner, if the children are under 16 or disabled.
Unmarried children:
- Your unmarried children may receive benefits if they are under 18 (or up to 19 if attending school full-time).
- If your child has a disability that developed before age 22, they can receive benefits at any age.
- Depending on the circumstances, your grandchildren, step-grandchildren, stepchildren, or adopted children may qualify for benefits.
- Dependent parents; If your parents are over 62 and you support at least half their income, they may qualify for benefits.
Ex-Spouses:
- If you were in a marriage for at least 10 years, your ex-spouse can receive survivor benefits starting at age 60 (or as early as 50 if they qualify for disability).
- However, if your former spouse is taking care of your children under the age of 16, then 10 years of marriage may not be required for eligibility.
- *Keep in mind that if the ex-spouse remarries before age 60, they typically will not be eligible for benefits.
In any of these scenarios, it’s important to remember that each situation is unique and needs to meet different requirements to qualify.
Can you receive Social Security survivor benefits?
A photo of a playful grandfather and granddaughter. They are casually dressed and playing in the park. They exercise together. A grandfather is exercising while his granddaughters are sitting on his back.
The calculation of your Social Security benefits depends on your lifetime earnings. If you want to check your current standing for yourself, you can sign up at my Social Security account. Your relationship with the deceased and your age will also impact your benefit amount, so keep these general guidelines in mind:
Widow or widower:
- If you start taking benefits at your full retirement age or older, you may receive 100% of the worker’s benefits.
- If you take benefits starting after age 60 but before you reach full retirement age, you can receive about 71%-99% of the worker’s benefits.
- If you’re taking care of your spouse’s children under the age of 16, you should receive about 75% of the worker’s benefits.
Children:
- Most children receive 75% of the worker’s benefits.
Ex-Spouses:
- The maximum amount you can receive is 50% of what your ex-spouse would get at their full retirement age.
- This amount is reduced further if you file before you reach your full retirement age.
- If you’re still working when you begin taking survivor benefits, your benefits are usually reduced due to income limits. You can click here to review the income limits for receiving Social Security benefits.
- Additionally, there are limits to the amount of benefits a survivor can receive, including that survivor benefits may not exceed 150% to 180% of the worker’s benefits. Again, all cases are unique and will vary depending on the circumstances. We recommend speaking with a financial professional to help guide you through the process.
How are Social Security Survivor Benefits Calculated?
The calculation of your Social Security benefits depends on your lifetime earnings. If you want to check your current standing for yourself, you can sign up at my Social Security account. Your relationship with the deceased and your age will also impact your benefit amount, so keep these general guidelines in mind:
Widows and Widowers:
- If you start taking benefits at your full retirement age or older, you may receive 100% of the worker’s benefits.
- If you take benefits starting after the age of 60 but before you reach full retirement age, you can receive about 71%-99% of the worker’s benefits.
- If you’re taking care of your spouse’s children under the age of 16, you should receive about 75% of the worker’s benefits.
Children:
- Most children receive 75% of the worker’s benefits.
Ex-Spouses:
- The maximum amount you can receive is 50% of what your ex-spouse would get at their full retirement age.
- This amount is reduced further if you file before you reach your own full retirement age.
How do you apply for Social Security Survivor Benefits?
As difficult as it may be after a loved one passes away, we encourage you to stay as organized as possible. When it comes to Social Security Survivor Benefits, you will need specific documentation and information, including:
- Death certificate or notification from the funeral home Your Social Security number
- The deceased worker’s Social Security number Your birth certificate
- Your marriage certificate for widows and widowers Divorce papers for ex-spouses
- Dependents’ Social Security numbers and birth certificates Deceased worker’s W-2 or federal self-employment tax forms
- Bank account and routing numbers for benefits to receive direct deposit
It’s important to note that all documents must be originals or certified copies. Even if you don’t have all the necessary documents, you can still begin the application process. The Social Security Administration may assist in helping you get the information you need.
How Does Social Security Fit Into Your Financial Plan?
Social Security is a complex topic, and it can play an important role in your family’s financial plan. Partnering with a financial planner can help you develop a reliable plan that takes Social Security into account with other important factors, including your lifestyle, healthcare expenses, taxes, and inflation. We encourage you to create a plan that works for you and your family. At The Retirement Solution, we are happy to help you in that process!
You can schedule your complimentary consultation with a TRS financial planner here!
Sources:
- The Basics About Survivor Benefits:https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/
- SSA.gov My Account: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
- How Work Affects Your Benefits:https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10069.pdf Survivors Benefits:https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf
- Social Security Survivor Benefits: Your Ultimate Guide: https://theretirementsolution.com/ social-security-survivor-benefits-your ultimate-guide/