Social Security Survivor Benefits Guide
Survivor benefits provide financial support to family members after a worker who paid Social Security taxes dies. Eligible survivors include spouses, ex-spouses, children, and dependent parents. Here’s everything you need to know in 2025.
Who Can Get Survivor Benefits?
- Widow(er)s: Age 60+ (50+ if disabled), married 9+ months, or caring for a child under 16.
- Divorced Spouses: Married 10+ years, unmarried, age 60+ (50+ if disabled).
- Children: Under 18 (or 19 if in school) or disabled before 22, unmarried.
- Parents: Age 62+, dependent on the worker for 50%+ of support.
Example: Lisa’s husband dies at 55 after working 20 years. She’s 61 and gets 100% of his benefit ($2,000/month) at her Full Retirement Age (FRA). Their son, 15, gets 75% ($1,500/month) until he’s 18.
How Much Can You Get?
Benefits depend on the deceased’s earnings and your age:
- Widow(er) at FRA: Up to 100% of the deceased’s benefit.
- Widow(er) Age 60-66: 71.5% to 99%, increasing with age.
- Child or Caring Spouse: 75% of the benefit.
- Dependent Parent: 82.5% (one) or 75% each (two).
Example: Tom dies at 62, leaving a $2,400/month benefit. His widow, 60, gets $1,716 (71.5%) now, rising to $2,400 at FRA (67). His disabled daughter, 25, gets $1,800 (75%) for life.
Tip: Check your eligibility with retirement or disability benefits—SSA pays the higher amount, not both.
Auxiliary Benefits: Lump-Sum Death Payment
A one-time $255 payment may go to a spouse or child:
- Spouse: Living with the deceased or eligible for benefits on their record.
- Child: Eligible if no spouse qualifies.
- Deadline: Apply within 2 years of death.
Example: After Jane’s husband dies, she applies for the $255 payment within 6 months and uses it for funeral costs.
How to Report a Death
The SSA needs to know when someone dies to stop benefits and start survivor payments:
- Funeral Home: Usually reports the death if given the deceased’s Social Security number.
- You Report: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Mon–Fri, 8 AM–7 PM, with the deceased’s name, SSN, date of birth, and death date.
- Documents: Death certificate helps but isn’t required to start the process.
Example: Mike’s sister calls SSA after his funeral home forgets to report his death. Benefits stop, and she applies for survivor payments.
How to Apply for Survivor Benefits
You can’t apply online—contact SSA directly:
- Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- In Person: Visit your local office (find it at SSA Locator).
- Documents: SSN, death certificate, marriage/birth records, deceased’s tax return.
Tip: Apply even if missing some docs—SSA can assist. See FAQ for more.
Reporting Changes
Once approved, report changes to avoid payment issues:
- Marriage/Remarriage: Affects eligibility before age 60.
- Work/Income: Earnings limits apply before FRA.
- How: Call 1-800-772-1213 or submit Form SSA-795.
Example: Sarah, 62, remarries and reports it—her widow’s benefit stops, but she switches to retirement benefits.
More Resources
Explore related guides or SSA links: