Losing a family member is often one of the most profoundly challenging experiences a person can face. The emotional toll of grieving the death of a loved one can be overwhelming, as it often brings feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, and loneliness. In addition to the emotional distress, this life-altering event may also present significant financial challenges, especially if the deceased contributed to the household income. The sudden loss of that financial support can create uncertainty and stress for the surviving family members. Recognizing the difficulty of navigating the emotional and financial impacts of such a loss, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a program designed to assist those affected. Specifically, Social Security survivor benefits are available to qualifying family members of eligible workers who have passed away. To learn more about these benefits and what they can mean for your family, contact an experienced elder and estate planning attorney at Roulet Law Firm, P.A. by reaching out to us at the following locations: Minnesota law office at (763) 420-5087 and Florida law office at (941) 909-4644.
What Are Social Security Survivor Benefits?
When a family member who plays a critical role in providing financial support passes away, it can create a challenging situation for those left behind. The loss often leads to not only emotional distress but also a significant financial crisis as families struggle to manage expenses without their loved one’s income. To assist in such difficult times, the United States Social Security Administration offers survivors monthly payments to eligible family members that aim to provide financial relief. These benefits serve as an important supplement to life insurance payouts and personal savings, helping families maintain their financial stability.
Who Can Qualify for Social Security Survivor Benefits
To receive survivor benefits from Social Security, the Social Security Administration indicates that individuals need to fall into certain categories:
Surviving Spouse
A surviving spouse, 60 years or older, could be eligible for survivor benefits. If the surviving spouse is disabled, the minimum age requirement is lowered to 50 years. This provision ensures that older surviving spouses have the support they need during a difficult time.
Caring Surviving Spouse
A surviving spouse of any age may qualify for benefits if they have not remarried and actively care for the deceased's child or children. The eligible children must be under the age of 16 or disabled. These benefits provide crucial support to families at an early stage of a child’s life.
Unmarried Children
Unmarried children of the deceased may receive benefits if they are younger than 18. This provision extends to children up to 19 years old if they are in school full-time. Additionally, if a child is 18 years or older and has a disability that started before they turned 22, they are also eligible for benefits.
Stepchildren, Grandchildren, and Step-Grandchildren
Under certain circumstances, a stepchild, grandchild, or stepgrandchild may qualify for survivor benefits. However, this qualification depends on specific living arrangements and the nature of the child's dependency on the deceased.
Dependent Parents
Parents aged 62 or older may be eligible for survivor benefits if they depended on the deceased for at least half of their financial support. However, their own Social Security benefit must not exceed that of the deceased child.
Surviving Divorced Spouse
A surviving divorced spouse may also qualify for benefits if they meet other specific eligibility requirements. This inclusion provides security for former spouses who have endured significant life changes. To better understand these categories and whether you qualify for Social Security survivor benefits, reach out to an elder and estate planning lawyer at Roulet Law Firm, P.A. today to review your questions.
How Long Can Individuals Receive Social Security Survivor Benefits?
Social Security survivor benefits are designed to provide financial support to the surviving spouse after the death of their partner. The surviving spouse is eligible to receive these benefits for the remainder of their life. However, there are some exceptions, including:
- When a spouse gets remarried before the age of 55
- When a spouse claims their own Social Security benefits
- When a spouse collects retirement benefits that are greater than the survivor benefit
In addition, benefits for children generally cease when they turn 18, although they may continue until the age of 19 if the child is still attending school full-time. In cases where a child has a
disability that began before they turn 22, they can receive survivor benefits for their entire lives, regardless of age or educational status. This provision ensures that families have ongoing support for children with disabilities, who may face unique challenges as they grow older.
How Much Are Survivor Benefits?
Security, the higher the benefits that their surviving family members will receive. For instance:
- For a Surviving Spouse at Full Retirement Age: A surviving spouse who has attained full retirement age is eligible for the entire basic benefit of the deceased worker amount.
- For a Surviving Spouse Aged 60 or Older but Not Yet at Full Retirement Age: If a surviving spouse is at least 60 years old but has not yet reached full retirement age, they can receive benefits ranging from 71.5% to 99% of the deceased worker’s basic benefit amount.
- For a Surviving Spouse of Any Age with a Child Under 16: A surviving spouse, regardless of age, is entitled to receive 75% of the deceased worker's basic benefit amount if they care for a dependent child under the age of 16.
- For a Child Under 18 (or Up to 19 if in School, or Any Age if Disabled): Children under 18 can receive 75% of the deceased worker's basic benefit amount. This benefit extends to children up to 19 years old who are still attending school or to children of any age who are disabled.
- For Dependent Parents Aged 62 or Older: Dependent parents who are 62 years of age or older may also qualify for survivor benefits. If there is one surviving parent, they can receive 82.5% of the deceased worker's basic benefit amount. If there are two surviving parents, each may receive 75% of the benefit.
It should also be noted that there is a maximum benefit amount that surviving family members can collect after the death of an individual. This maximum amount can vary depending on specific circumstances but typically falls between 150% and 180% of the deceased person’s basic benefit rate.
Contact Roulet Law Firm, P.A. Today To Learn More About Survivor Benefits
Unexpected life events, particularly the death of a loved one, can profoundly disrupt a family’s financial stability. The emotional toll of grief can be compounded by the challenges of managing household expenses and planning for the future. During these difficult times, resources such as Social Security survivor benefits can provide crucial financial support, helping families navigate their new reality and maintain a sense of stability as they adjust to life without their loved ones. To learn more about these benefits, speak to an elder and estate planning legal professional at Roulet Law Firm, P.A. today by reaching out to us at the following locations: Minnesota law office (763) 420-5087 and Florida law office (941) 909-4644 or you can fill out the contact form on this page and a member of our team will reach out to you to schedule a consultation.
If you are not yet ready to schedule a consultation to get an estate plan in place, or to update your existing one, and would like to learn more, here are some additional resources for you:
