Social Security Benefits for a Surviving Spouse
Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits provide monthly income to retirees, disabled workers and surviving family members of a deceased worker. To apply for Social Security benefits for a surviving spouse, there are a few steps to take, including filling out forms and providing documentation. But first, one must determine eligibility.
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How Social Security Works
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In the United States, workers contribute into the Social Security system through a payroll tax deduction that the employer matches at an equal rate. The self-employed contribute through their self-employment taxes. These contributions are then turned into credits that will be used to calculate the Social Security benefits one is entitled to receive.
Who Qualifying for Survivor Benefits
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When a taxpayer dies, certain members of his family may be able to collect survivor benefits. These family members include widows, widowers, children and dependent parents. Sometimes even a person divorced from the deceased may be eligible.
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Full Benefits
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A widow or widower must have reached full retirement age in order to receive full benefits. Full retirement age is calculated by the SSA by year of birth. For instance, if a worker was born in 1937 or earlier, full retirement age for that person is 65. On the other hand, if the worker was born from 1943 to 1954, full retirement age is 66. Finally, if the birth date is 1960 and later, full retirement age is 67. There is a range between these years as well, and a full breakdown can be found on the SSA's website.
Reduced Benefits
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The surviving spouse may collect reduced benefits at age 60 or at age 50 if disabled. If the surviving spouse is caring for the deceased's child who is either a minor or disabled, he or she may also qualify for early benefits.
Benefits for the Divorced Spouse
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If you are the divorced spouse of the deceased, and you were married 10 years or more, you may qualify to receive benefits. If you are caring for the deceased's minor or disabled child, you do not need to meet the length-of-marriage requirement.
How To Apply
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If you are currently not receiving Social Security benefits yourself, you will need to call or visit a Social Security office to apply for survivor benefits. The Social Security Administration suggests that you apply promptly, as sometimes benefits may not be applied retroactively.
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References
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Comments
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can the social security owe you money that you should have received from your previous marriage? If I was working and did not bother my spouses benefit is it still sitting there waiting for me in the social security bank?
