Life can be unpredictable, and the financial impact of a loved one’s death can be overwhelming. Losing that support can create significant hardship for those who have relied on a family member’s income. Fortunately, for families who are dealing with the loss of a loved one who was receiving Social Security disability benefits, some provisions can help cushion the financial blow. These are called Social Security Disability Survivor Benefits.
What are Social Security Disability Survivor Benefits?
Social Security Disability Survivor Benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to the family members of a person who was receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) when they passed away. These benefits are part of the Social Security program, which aims to offer a safety net for individuals who become disabled and cannot work. In cases where the disabled individual dies, their family members may still be entitled to benefits based on the deceased’s work history.
In other words, if someone who has been receiving SSD dies, their surviving family members may qualify to receive monthly payments based on the deceased person’s Social Security earnings record.
Who is Eligible for Survivor Benefits?
Not everyone can qualify for Social Security Disability Survivor Benefits. The eligibility criteria depend on your relationship to the deceased person and the deceased’s work history. Here’s a breakdown of who can qualify:
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Widows/Widowers:
- If you are the widow or widower of someone receiving SSD, you may qualify for survivor benefits.
- You must be at least 60 years old. However, the age requirement can be reduced to 50 if you have a disability that began before or within seven years of your spouse’s death.
- Widows and widowers can also qualify if they are caring for a child under 16 or disabled. In this case, there is no minimum age requirement.
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Children:
- Children under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school) may qualify for survivor benefits.
- Children who are disabled (and the disability began before age 22) can also qualify for benefits, regardless of their age.
- Children who are adopted, stepchildren, or even grandchildren can also qualify under certain conditions.
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Dependent Parents:
- If the deceased person was providing at least half of the support for their parents, the parents may be eligible for survivor benefits.
- To qualify, the parents must be age 62 or older.
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Ex-Spouses:
- Ex-spouses may also be eligible for survivor benefits, but only if the marriage lasted for at least 10 years. In this case, the ex-spouse must be at least 60 years old, or 50 if disabled. Additionally, the ex-spouse must not be remarried.
How Much Will You Receive in Survivor Benefits?
The amount of Social Security Disability Survivor Benefits depends on the deceased’s earnings record. Survivor benefits are calculated based on the deceased person’s average lifetime earnings, and the percentage of those earnings that the survivors will receive is determined by their relationship to the deceased.
It’s important to note that there is a maximum amount that can be paid to a family based on the deceased’s earnings record. If multiple family members are entitled to benefits, these payments may be divided accordingly.
How to Apply for Social Security Disability Survivor Benefits
To apply for Social Security Disability Survivor Benefits, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA): As soon as possible after an individual’s death, contact the SSA. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Gather the Required Documents: To apply for survivor benefits, you’ll need to provide several documents, including:
- The deceased person’s Social Security number and date of birth.
- Proof of your relationship to the deceased (such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate).
- The deceased’s death certificate.
- Other personal documents, such as your Social Security number and bank information, for direct deposit.
- (Complete the Application: You can apply for survivor benefits online, by phone, or in person. Depending on your specific situation, you may be asked to provide additional information or documentation.
- Wait for the Decision: After you apply, the SSA will review your application and determine your eligibility for survivor benefits. This process can take several weeks, so it’s important to apply as soon as possible after the death.
If you believe you or a loved one may qualify for these benefits or have questions about survivor benefits, it is essential to contact the SSA as soon as possible to ensure you receive the financial support you’re entitled to. Understanding how survivor benefits work and following the necessary steps to apply can help ease some of the financial burdens during a loss.