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Understanding Social Security Survivors Benefits

Social Security is often associated with retirement benefits, but it also provides crucial support in other situations, such as for the disabled or those without income. One lesser-known aspect is Social Security survivors benefits, which are monthly payments to eligible family members if their deceased loved one contributed enough to Social Security during their lifetime.

What Are Social Security Survivors Benefits?

When a family member who provided financial support passes away, it can create a significant financial burden. Social Security survivors benefits aim to offer a financial cushion beyond life insurance and savings. These benefits may be available to widows, widowers, divorced spouses, surviving children, and dependent parents.

Eligibility for Social Security Survivors Benefits

To qualify for Social Security survivors benefits, the deceased must have earned a minimum number of Social Security “credits” during their working life. Generally, anyone who has worked for 10 years is eligible to provide full survivors benefits. Younger individuals with fewer credits may still leave some benefits, though not the full amount. The benefits are based on the deceased’s earnings, so the more they worked and paid into Social Security, the higher the benefits.

Surviving Spouses

• Can receive reduced benefits starting at age 60 or full benefits at age 50 if disabled.
• Can receive full benefits at any age if caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child.
• If already receiving spousal retirement benefits, these convert to survivors benefits upon the spouse’s death.

Surviving Divorced Spouses

• Eligible if the marriage lasted 10 years or more.
• Can receive benefits if caring for the deceased’s child under 16 or a disabled child.

Unmarried Children

• Eligible if under 18 (or 19 if in secondary school) or any age if disabled before 22.

Dependent Parents

• Eligible if at least 62 years old and received at least half of their support from their working child.

How Much Are Social Security Survivors Benefits?

The amount of survivors benefits depends on the deceased’s average lifetime earnings. The more they earned and paid into Social Security, the higher the benefits. You can check your Social Security statement on SSA.gov to see if your family is eligible and the potential benefit amounts.

Typically, survivors can receive:

• 100% for a surviving spouse at full retirement age.
• 71.5% to 99% for a surviving spouse aged 60 or older but not yet at full retirement age.
• 75% for a surviving spouse of any age with a child under 16.
• 75% for a child under 18 (or 19 if in secondary school) or any age if disabled before 22.
• 82.5% for one dependent parent aged 62 or older, or 75% to each parent if two surviving parents.

Additionally, a one-time lump sum death payment of $255 may be available to a surviving spouse or child.

How to Apply for Survivors Benefits

Unlike retirement benefits, you cannot apply for survivors benefits online. You need to contact or visit your local Social Security Office or reach them by phone. If you’re not currently receiving any Social Security benefits, you’ll need to provide information and documents related to your claim, such as proof of death, Social Security numbers, birth and marriage certificates, the deceased’s last tax return, and your bank account information for benefits.

Are Social Security Survivors Benefits Taxable?

Whether you pay taxes on your Social Security benefits depends on your combined income. You’ll never pay income tax on more than 85% of survivors benefits. For individuals with combined income between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50% of benefits may be taxable. For those with combined income exceeding $34,000, up to 85% may be taxable. For joint filers, the thresholds are $32,000 to $44,000 for up to 50% taxable, and over $44,000 for up to 85% taxable.

Protect Your Benefits

Social Security benefits can be a financial lifeline but are also vulnerable to fraud. Keep Social Security numbers secure and be vigilant. The Social Security Administration usually contacts beneficiaries through mailed letters, phone calls, or home visits with immediate identification. If contacted unexpectedly, verify legitimacy by calling the national office. Never provide money or personal information to suspicious contacts.

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