Social Security Survivor Benefit Requirements
In addition to retirement benefits, Social Security provides a life insurance annuity to those dependent on a worker who dies. You may recognize these as death benefits, but Social Security refers to these as survivor benefits. Certain classes of survivors receive a monthly payment based on the work history of the deceased. The amount each receives relates to the amount the worker would receive when retired and the relationship of the claimant to the deceased.
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Classes of Survivors
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Spouses and children are the most common classes who collect survivor benefits from Social Security. Ex-spouses may receive survivor benefits, and parents dependent on the deceased for support may also qualify. Other more distant relationships can claim and prove dependency on the deceased for support, and Social Security makes the benefit determination.
Worker Requirements
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The deceased worker must have a work history that qualifies for survivor benefits. Retirement requires 10 years or 40 credits of employment, but survivor benefits may require as little as six credits in the three years immediately prior to death. Other ways to qualify require approximately half-time employment for years from age 21 to 31. Contact Social Security for your specific circumstance.
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Benefit Requirements
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A spouse must be age 60 and unmarried to claim survivor benefits unless she cares for a child of the deceased who is under the age of 16. A spouse married after age 60 also can qualify for survivor benefits. An ex-spouse may qualify if she is unmarried and was married to the deceased for 10 years. The 10-year rule does not apply if the ex-spouse cares for a child of the deceased, and the child is disabled or under the age of 16. A child of the deceased who is under 18, or 19 if still in high school may qualify for survivor benefits. Parents over age 62 dependent on the deceased for support may claim Social Security survivor benefits under some circumstances.
Benefit Amounts
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A spouse at age 60 receives 71.5 percent of the benefit the deceased would receive at full retirement age. Full retirement age is 66 for individuals born between 1943 and 1954, and progresses to age 67 starting with those born in 1955. The Social Security Administration reports the full retirement age benefit on the Social Security statement provided each year to workers. A spouse caring for deceased's child under 16 receives 75 percent and the child receives 75 percent up to age 18 or 19. A spouse at full retirement age can get 100 percent of the deceased worker's monthly payment amount. Once several claimants qualify, a maximum benefit for the work history of the deceased applies. Social Security recalculates the benefits to reduce the percentage of each to keep within the 150- to 180-percent maximum. An ex-spouse may qualify and her benefits do not apply to the maximum unless she cares for a child of the deceased.
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References
- Social Security Online: How Much Would Your Benefit Be?
- Social Security Online: Planning for Your Survivors
- Social Security Online: Parents May Qualify for Benefits
- Social Security Online: If You're the Worker's Surviving Divorced Spouse
- Social Security Online: If You Are the Worker's Widow or Widower
Resources
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