Social Security survivor benefits: who qualifies and how much
When someone who worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, their spouse, ex-spouse, children and sometimes their parents may get monthly payments on that person's work record. Apply quickly: Social Security generally pays survivors only up to six months back from the month you apply, so waiting can cost real money.
Who can get survivor benefits?
- A surviving spouse, with full benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits from age 60 (age 50 if they have a disability).
- A surviving spouse of any age who takes care of the worker's child younger than 16 or with a disability.
- A surviving divorced spouse, age 60 or older (50 to 59 with a disability), if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. See survivor benefits for an ex-spouse.
- Unmarried children younger than 18, up to 19 if still in high school full time, or any age if disabled before 22.
- Dependent parents age 62 or older.
Source: SSA, Survivors Benefits (EN-05-10084).
How much do survivors get?
It's a percentage of the benefit the worker had earned. A surviving spouse at full retirement age generally gets 100%. From age 60 up to full retirement age, it's 71% to 99%. A spouse of any age caring for a child under 16 gets 75%, and each eligible child gets 75%. There's a family limit, usually between 150% and 180% of the worker's benefit. Source: SSA, Survivors Benefits (EN-05-10084).
Did the person work long enough?
Survivor benefits come from the person's U.S. work record, the years they worked and paid Social Security taxes. How much work is needed depends on their age at death, and no one needs more than 10 years. Work in a country without a Social Security agreement with the U.S. doesn't count; Mexico, for example, isn't on Social Security's list of agreements in force. Sources: SSA, Survivors Benefits (EN-05-10084), SSA, international agreements in force.
How far back does it pay?
Generally up to six months before the month you apply, not back to the date of death. Some disability cases can go back 12 months. That's why Social Security tells families to apply promptly, even before every document is in hand. Source: SSA Handbook §1513.
What if I already get my own Social Security?
You don't get both in full. Social Security pays the higher amount. Ask on the call whether the survivor benefit on your loved one's record is higher than your own. Source: SSA, survivor benefits.
How do I apply?
By phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or at any Social Security office. Have the documents on our survivor benefits checklist ready. If the death hasn't been reported yet, see how to report a death to Social Security. Source: SSA, Survivors Benefits (EN-05-10084).
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Frequently asked questions
Can an ex-wife or ex-husband get survivor benefits?
Yes, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and they are 60 or older (50 with a disability), or caring for the worker's child under 16 or disabled.
How far back are survivor benefits paid?
Generally up to six months before the month you apply. Apply as soon as you can.
Can I get my own retirement and survivor benefits at the same time?
Social Security pays the higher of the two, not both in full.
Is this legal or financial advice?
No. It's general information from Social Security. Social Security decides who qualifies.
Sources
- ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf
- ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.15/handbook-1513.html
- ssa.gov/international/status.html
- ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyou.html
General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or talk to a licensed professional about your situation.
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