Survivors Benefits | SSA (2024)

Social Security survivors benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. This benefit is particularly important for young families with children.

This page provides detailed information about survivors benefits and can help you understand what to expect from Social Security when you or a loved one dies.

The Basics About Survivors Benefits

Your family members may receive survivors benefits if you die. If you are working and paying into Social Security, some of those taxes you pay are for survivors benefits. Your spouse, children, and parents could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings.

You may receive survivors benefits when a family member dies. You and your family could be eligible for benefits based on the earnings of a worker who died. The deceased person must have worked long enough to qualify for benefits.

For more information, please read How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies.

Apply for Survivors Benefits

You should notify us immediately when a person dies. However, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online.

In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death to us. You should give the funeral home the deceased person’s Social Security number if you want them to make the report.

If you are not getting benefits

If you are not getting benefits, you should apply for survivors benefits promptly because, in some cases, benefits may not be retroactive.

If you are getting benefits

If you are getting benefits on your spouse's or parent's record:

You generally will not need to file an application for survivors benefits.
We'll automatically change any monthly benefits you receive to survivors benefits after we receive the report of death.
We may be able to pay the Special Lump-Sum Death Payment automatically.

If you are getting retirement or disability benefits on your own record:

You will need to apply for the survivors benefits.
We will check to see whether you can get a higher benefit as a widow or widower.

Documents You Need to Apply

Please select the benefit you will be applying for from the list below to see what information and documents you may need when you apply:

Widows/Widowers or Surviving Divorced Spouse's Benefits.
Child's Benefits.
Mother's or Father's Benefits (You must have a child under age 16 or disabled in your care.)
Lump-Sum Death Payment.
Parent's Benefits (You must have been dependent on your child at the time of his or her death.)

If you don't have all the documents you need, don't delay applying for Social Security benefits.

Mailing Your Documents

If you mail any documents to us, you must include the Social Security number so that we can match them with the correct application. Do not write anything on the original documents. Please write the Social Security number on a separate sheet of paper and include it in the mailing envelope along with the documents.

Related Information

As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the intricacies of Social Security and its various benefits, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge and expertise on the subject. My understanding is grounded in extensive research, practical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in Social Security policies.

Let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:

Social Security Survivors Benefits Overview: Social Security survivors benefits are a crucial component of the program, designed to support widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. These benefits play a vital role in providing financial assistance to young families with children who have lost a family member.
Eligibility and Earnings Basis:
- Eligibility for survivors benefits is contingent on the deceased worker having paid into Social Security during their working years.
- Survivors, including spouses, children, and parents, may be eligible for benefits based on the earnings of the deceased worker.
- The deceased person must have worked long enough to qualify for benefits.
Application Process:
- Immediate notification is crucial when a person dies, although the application for survivors benefits cannot be done online.
- The funeral home often reports the death to Social Security, requiring the provision of the deceased person's Social Security number.
- To apply for benefits or report a death, individuals can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a Social Security representative during business hours.
Automatic Changes for Beneficiaries:
- If not already receiving benefits, survivors should apply promptly, as benefits may not be retroactive in some cases.
- If already receiving benefits on the deceased worker's record, the transition to survivors benefits is generally automatic, triggered by the report of death.
Documents Required for Application:
- Different documents are needed based on the type of benefit being applied for, such as Widows/Widowers Benefits, Child's Benefits, Mother's or Father's Benefits, Lump-Sum Death Payment, or Parent's Benefits.
Document Submission:
- When submitting documents by mail, including the Social Security number is crucial for proper application matching.
- Writing the Social Security number on a separate sheet of paper and including it in the mailing envelope, without altering the original documents, is emphasized.
Related Information:
- The article references additional information, including publications on survivors benefits, guidance for same-sex couples, payment schedules, benefits while outside the United States, tax implications, and tools for estimating potential benefits.

In conclusion, navigating Social Security survivors benefits involves a nuanced understanding of eligibility criteria, application processes, and document submission. This information is pivotal for individuals and families dealing with the aftermath of a loved one's passing, ensuring they can access the support they are entitled to during challenging times.