Care for your loved ones, especially in their grief and loss. Take steps to ensure proper allocation of your Social Security survivor benefits. — Istock
Q: My husband is seriously ill. I know that if he dies, I'll need to notify Social Security so that his retirement benefits will stop. But what can I expect in the way of help for me and the rest of the family from Social Security?
A: The first thing to know is that in many ways, Social Security resembles a giant insurance policy that helps protect the income of families of the nation's workers when death strikes. If an elderly woman loses her spouse, she can receive survivor benefits, which may keep her from falling into poverty. Likewise, if a young worker with young children dies in an accident, Social Security can pay monthly benefits to the surviving family members for years to come. All of these benefits are "earned" in the sense that they are based on the work record of the person who died.
Q: So which family members may be eligible for survivor benefits?
A: Quite a few, actually. The list includes:
- A widow or widower who is 60 or older (or 50 if the person is disabled)
- A widow or widower of any age if the person is caring for a child of the deceased and the child is under 16 or disabled
- A child of the deceased who is under 18, or under 19 if a full-time student at an elementary or secondary school
- A child who is 18 or older with a disability that began before 22
Benefits may also be payable to:
- A surviving divorced spouse
- A stepchild, grandchild, stepgrandchild or adopted child
- The parents of the person who died, if they are 62 or older and were dependent on the deceased for at least half their support
- A surviving divorced widow or widower, providing the marriage lasted for at least 10 years. Note: If you remarry after you reach 60 (50 if disabled), the remarriage will not affect your eligibility for a survivor benefit.
See also: Divorce and Social Security benefits
Q: Is there a limit to how much money Social Security will pay to multiple survivors?
A: Yes. It's called the family maximum, and it puts a ceiling on the total number of dollars that members of a single family can receive each month. The rules are complicated, but generally speaking, the limit is equal to 150 to 180 percent of the full benefit of the deceased worker. If the benefits due to family members exceed this limit, payments will be reduced proportionately.
Next page: Does Social Security pay a one-time death benefit? »
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