Social Security Benefits: A Useful Discussion On Terms To Get The Benefit & Methods To Collect After A Family Member's Death

Social Security Benefits: A Useful Discussion On Terms To Get The Benefit & Methods To Collect After A Family Member's Death

The loss of a family member can be devastating, both emotionally & financially. Social Security is meant to be a survivor program along with a retirement program. Most of the people are aware of Social Security retirement benefits, and many may even be aware that Social Security has disability benefits, but are you conscious that there are Social Security death benefits also? In this article we will discuss the one-time lump sum death benefit, monthly survivor benefits, who qualifies for survivor benefits, and how to apply for benefits when a family member dies.

One-Time Death Benefit:

You might receive a one-time payment of $255 when a family member dies, based on your relationship to them and how long they've worked. Generally, only surviving spouses and children of deceased workers qualify for the one-time death benefit. Furthermore, the deceased family member should have worked long enough to be insured under Social Security, but it doesn't matter if they were already collecting Social Security or not.

The Death benefit payment is made to the surviving spouse living with the deceased person at the time he/she passed, or if there's no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child of the dead person. Spouses who're not living together when one spouse dies may still receive the death benefit if they were eligible for benefits on the deceased spouse's earnings in the month the spouse passed. If there's no surviving spouse or child who qualifies for the payment, therefore no payment will be made.

This is a one-time, lump sum benefit; however many survivors may qualify for a monthly benefit besides the one-time death benefit.

Monthly Survivor Benefits:

Along with the one-time payment, certain family members may receive a monthly benefit for a dead person. Widows, widowers, kids and dependent parents may qualify for monthly survivor benefits. In some cases, even divorced widows and widowers may qualify to receive benefits when their ex-spouse dies. The per month survivor benefit is also called "survivors insurance" as it is much like a life insurance policy.

To be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, the dead worker should have worked and earned credits towards Social Security benefits. The number of years required to work depends on the age of the deceased family member.

The following family members may qualify for survivor benefits:

- a widow or widower, beginning at age fifty if disabled or sixty is not handicapped;

- a widow or widower who is caring for your child under the age of 16, no matter the age of the widow or widower,

- unmarried children of the dead person also qualify if they are under age 18 (or age 22 if they're handicapped).

- in a few cases, even grandchildren, step children or adopted children may qualify for survivor benefits.

If you are divorced, you might qualify for survivor benefits on an ex-spouse if you were married for minimum 10 years, and you are age 60 or older when your ex-spouse passes (you only need to be age 50 if you are handicapped).

Applying for Survivor Benefits:

Social Security must be notified and Social Security widow benefits should be applied for immediately after a family member has passed. To do so, you can call the Social Security Administration or visit the closest office to you. You'll require to provide proof of death (death certificate or proof from a funeral home), your Social Security number and your deceased family member's Social Security number, your birth certificate, marriage certificate if married, divorce papers if you're divorced, and income info for the deceased family member (from W-2s or income tax returns) for the most recent year.

Why Women Need To Learn Regarding Social Security Spouse And Survivor Benefits
When Social Security was established most women did not work. Lower or no earnings combined with a longer life span meant poverty for many women when their husbands passed away. Social Security recognized these challenges and have implemented several changes to the system to help women avoid poverty.

Submitting Your Social Security Application: When And How
As you get closer to retirement one of your top questions is probably when and how to submit your Social Security application. Should you apply at age 62 or 66? What are the steps to applying for Social Security once you've decided to start collecting retirement benefits?

How You Will Go With Social Security Survivor Benefits After Your Spouse Passes Away
When Social Security was first established, it only paid retirement income to workers who qualified. It was later amended to include benefits for spouses and survivors, which made it more of a family or insurance plan, instead of just a retirement plan.

Social Security Benefits: A Few Key Specifics On Cost Of Living Adjustment 2011
For the second year in a row people who rely on Social Security will not be receiving a cost of living increase. This is only the second time since the cost of living adjustment (COLA) was adopted that recipients have not received an increase.

Social Security Income: Tips To Help You Get The Most Out Of Your Social Security Income
As you get closer to retirement, choosing when to take your Social Security may seem like rolling the dice. There are so many decisions to make, such as:

3 Ways A Financial Planner Can Easily Help You Attain Your Very Own Financial Objectives
Many people wonder exactly what a financial planner does, and how they can help you. Here are just three ways a financial planner can help you achieve your financial dreams and goals.

Using Government Grants So That You Can Upgrade And Improve Your Own Home.
Being on the property ladder whether renting or owning your own home it can be a very expensive ordeal.

Associated Articles

Partner Sites

Privacy Policy Disclaimer Contact Site Map