How to Collect SS Benefits Upon the Death of a Parent

The Social Security Administration provides benefits to surviving spouse and children of a deceased worker.

Death of a parent is emotionally and financially devastating for the surviving spouse and children. If the deceased was the only provider for the family, they may experience financial hardship. If the deceased worked and paid Social Security taxes, the surviving spouse and children may be eligible for survivor benefits. The amount of a monthly benefit payment depends on the average lifetime earnings of the deceased. The Social Security Administration will determine the amount after reviewing the application.

Instructions

1. Contact the Social Security Administration and request an application for survivor's benefits. You can also apply for benefits on the administration website. You should apply promptly because the Social Security Administration pays benefits from the time you apply, not from the time of the worker's death.

2. Provide a death certificate, your and the deceased worker's Social Security numbers, your birth certificate, your marriage certificate, a copy of the most recent W-2 or a copy of a tax return if the deceased was self-employed. If applying as a divorced widow or widower, provide divorce papers. Include a Social Security number and a birth certificate for each dependent child. Children 18 years of age and younger are eligible to apply. Children over 18 may be eligible if they are full-time high school students or are disabled. Your benefit payments will start once the application has been reviewed and approved. Surviving children receive up to 75 percent of the deceased worker's benefit amount. Surviving widows or widowers receive from 71 to 100 percent. The total family benefit cannot exceed 180 percent of the deceased worker's benefit amount.

3. Contact the Social Security Administration and request a one-time death benefit payment of $255 to the surviving spouse or children. This benefit is available for all surviving spouses or children.

References

• Social Security Administration: Benefits for Children
• Social Security Administration: Survivor Benefits

Resources

• Social Security Administration