Social Security Survivor Benefits & Guardianship
Social security benefits are generally paid directly to individuals who have retired, or those who are disabled and unable to work. However, in certain circumstances benefits are paid to other parties on behalf of the worker. Two of these instances are called "survivor benefits," for the eligible family members of individuals who have passed away, and "guardianship," for those individuals who are unable to manage their social security benefits and require a representative payee.
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Survivor Benefits: Eligible Worker
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In order to be eligible for survivor benefits, the deceased has to have enough credits according to the Social Security guidelines. These credits are based on how old the individual was and how long they worked and paid into Social Security. This also determines the amount of the benefits. Per CNN Money, this adds up to be a significant income for the survivor.
If the worker was receiving any Social Security benefits at the time of death, either for retirement or disability, then no further determination is needed. Benefits are paid out of the original entitlement.
Survivor Benefits: Eligible Recipients
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A surviving spouse receives the full benefits of the deceased at retirement age, but does qualify for reduced benefits as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled).
If the widow or widower takes care of a child under 16 that receives survivor benefits or disability benefits, then that individual is eligible for benefits before retirement age. This also applies to divorced spouses, provided they are not remarried.
Unmarried children who are still enrolled in school receive benefits up to the maximum age of 19, in some cases even if they are adopted, stepchildren or grandchildren.
Any dependent child who was disabled before the age of 22 and remains disabled is also eligible for benefits, as well as any dependent parents over the age of 62.
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Guardianship
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In some cases, Social Security beneficiaries require assistance managing their money. In this case, a "representative payee" is assigned, and this can either be granted to an individual or an organization. If you are assigned as the guardian, you are paid rather than the worker himself.
Unless Social Security authorizes that you be paid a fee, you are not paid by the beneficiary for this service.
Guardianship Responsibilities
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If you're a representative payee for a beneficiary, you are required to account for how the money was used for the beneficiary's needs.
These needs can be basic, such as their food and shelter, but the funds can also be used towards bigger purchases like houses, cars and furniture. However you should always contact your local Social Security office to verify.
If it is ever determined the funds were misused, those funds would have to be repaid.
The Application Process
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File promptly and provide all information requested. It will take a few months from the time you apply to when you will actually receive a check. Even with back pay, it is from the date of the application, not the worker's death.
As a representative payee there are things you can do online if you register a user ID and a password. You must first provide paperwork to support your access to the beneficiary's information.
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References
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