SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
When a loved one dies, it is wise to contact Social Security as soon as possible. They should be aware of the death in order to stop any further automatic payments. Be aware that you may have to return a payment that is made. The funeral home will also be notifying Social Security of the death.
If you are a dependant of a decedent, you should also contact the local Social Security Office and apply for survivor's benefits as soon as possible. In some cases, benefits may not be retroactive.
HOW MUCH ARE THE BENEFITS?
Social Security pays out a special one-time payment of $255 to a surviving spouse of an eligible recipient. Additional monies due will depend on the earnings of the deceased. The more he or she paid in Social Security, the higher the benefits.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE BENEFITS?
Social Security survivor benefits can be paid to:
- Widow or widower - full benefits at 65 and older or reduced benefits as early as age 60. A disabled widow can receive benefits at age 50-60.
- Widow or widower - at any age if he or she is taking care of your child under the age of 16 or disabled.
- Unmarried children - at the age of 18. Your child can receive benefits at any age if they were disabled before the age of 22 and have not recovered from their disability.
- Dependent parents - at the age of 62 and older.
- Divorced spouses - your former spouse can receive benefits under the same circumstances as your widow or widower if your marriage lasted 10 years or more. The child must be your former spouse's natural or legally adopted child.
INFORMATION YOU NEED TO PROVIDE
To receive survivor benefits, you will need to provide the following information at the time of your claim.
- Proof of death - from the funeral home or death certificate
- Your Social Security number - as well as the deceased's
- Your birth certificate.
- Your marriage certificate - if you're a widow or widower
- Your divorce papers - if you're applying as a surviving divorced spouse
- Dependent children's Social Security numbers
- Deceased worker's W-2 forms
- Your bank name - the benefits may be able to be directly deposited into your account
Your Family Service Counselor at White Emerson will be happy to sit down with you and assist in completing paperwork needed to apply for Social Security benefits. However, it is important to remember that Social Security benefits and qualifications for benefits change. Thus, we also urge you to contact your local Social Security Administration office or you can read additional information by going to their website at www.ssa.gov. You can also contact them via telephone at (800) 722-1213.