When a family member passes away, it can be a tough time both emotionally and financially.
The U.S. government understands this and has set up a system to help families during these challenging times.
This system is called the Social Security Survivor Benefits.
Let’s explore what this means.
What Are Social Security Survivor Benefits?
The Social Security Survivor Benefits are a special kind of financial aid.
This aid is given by an organization called the Social Security Administration, often shortened to SSA.
The main goal of this benefit is to support families who have lost a loved one who was either getting Social Security benefits or was supposed to get them in the future.
Why Are These Social Security Benefits Important?
Imagine a family where one person was the main person bringing in money, and suddenly they are no longer there.
This can be very hard for the family.
They might struggle to pay for basic things like food, rent, or school.
The Social Security Survivor Benefits are there to make sure families have some money coming in, even if it’s not as much as before.
It’s a way to help families adjust and cope with the new financial situation after the loss of a loved one’s income.
Understanding the Different Social Security Survivor Benefits
Monthly Benefits
Monthly benefits are regular payments that a family receives every month from the Social Security Administration.
These payments are based on how much the deceased person earned and contributed to Social Security during their lifetime.
How are Monthly Benefits Calculated?
The amount of money a family gets each month depends on the deceased person’s earnings.
If the deceased person had a high income and contributed a lot to Social Security, their family would receive a higher monthly benefit.
In simpler words, the more the deceased person paid into Social Security, the more their family gets.
This monthly payment is a part of the basic Social Security benefit that the deceased person would have received.
One-Time Lump-Sum Death Payment
Apart from the monthly benefits, there’s a special one-time payment called the “Lump-Sum Death Payment.”
This is a single payment of $255.
Who Qualifies for this Lump-Sum Payment?
- Surviving Spouse: If the husband or wife of the deceased person was living with them when they passed away, they would receive this one-time payment. Even if they were living separately, the surviving spouse could still get this payment if they were receiving certain Social Security benefits based on the deceased person’s record.
- Eligible Child: If there isn’t a surviving spouse, this one-time payment goes to an eligible child of the deceased person.
Eligibility for Social Security Survivors Benefits
The Social Security Survivor Benefits are designed to help families after the loss of a loved one.
But not everyone automatically qualifies for these benefits.
Let’s explore in detail who is eligible to receive these financial aids.
Widows and Widowers, Surviving Spouse, Surviving Divorced Spouse
Who are they?
Widows and widowers are individuals who have lost their spouse.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age Factor: If you are a widow or widower and have reached the age of 60 or older, you are eligible to receive Social Security Survivor Benefits.
Surviving Divorced Spouses
Who are they? These are individuals who were once married to the deceased person but later got divorced.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Specific Conditions: Not all divorced spouses qualify. Only those who meet certain conditions set by the Social Security Administration can receive the benefits. It’s essential to check with the SSA to understand these specific situations.
Young Widows and Widowers with Children
Who are they? These are widows or widowers of any age who are currently taking care of the deceased’s child.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Child’s Age: The child must be under 16 years old.
- Child’s Health: If the child is disabled and is receiving child’s benefits, the young widow or widower also qualifies.
Children of the Deceased
Who are they?
These are the biological or adopted children of the person who has passed away.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Young Children: Children who are under the age of 18 qualify for the benefits.
- Student Status: If the child is a full-time student in an elementary or secondary school and is under 19 years old, they are eligible.
- Disability Factor: Individuals who are 18 years or older but had a disability that started before they turned 22 can also receive benefits.
Navigating the Steps After Losing a Loved One
The passing of a loved one is a challenging time, filled with emotions and numerous responsibilities.
Among these responsibilities is ensuring that the family receives the Social Security Survivor Benefits they are entitled to.
Reporting the Death
Why is it Important?
Informing the Social Security Administration (SSA) about the death is the first step in ensuring that the family gets the benefits they deserve.
Who Usually Reports?
In most cases, the funeral home handling the deceased’s arrangements will notify the SSA about the death.
They do this as part of their service to the family.
What if the Funeral Home Doesn’t Report?
If, for some reason, the funeral home does not report the death, it becomes the family’s responsibility to do so.
It’s crucial to act promptly and inform the SSA as soon as possible.
Note:
It’s important to remember that you cannot report a death through the SSA’s online platform.
This process requires a more personal touch.
Applying for Benefits
Who Should Apply?
While the funeral home might report the death, applying for the actual benefits is a separate process.
This responsibility falls on the shoulders of the surviving family members.
How to Apply?
Unfortunately, the SSA does not allow families to apply for survivor benefits online.
You’ll need to contact them directly or visit a local SSA office to initiate the application process.
Contacting the Social Security Administration
Need Assistance or Have Questions? The SSA is there to help. Whether you have questions about the benefits, need to report a death, or want to start the application process, they are just a call away.
Phone Number: You can reach out to the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. Their representatives are trained to assist you compassionately and efficiently.
Online Resources: For those who prefer to gather information online, the SSA’s official website offers a wealth of resources. Visit ssa.gov/benefits/survivors for comprehensive details about survivor benefits.
Conclusion
Losing a loved one is hard, but understanding the financial support available can ease some burdens.
The Social Security Survivor Benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to the families of deceased individuals.
By understanding who qualifies and the steps to take, families can navigate this challenging time with a bit more clarity.