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In most cases, a deceased spouse's Social Security benefits transfer to the surviving spouse, but there are some specific considerations to keep in mind when determining who is entitled to what benefits and how to apply for them.
People are often unaware that they can collect Social Security benefits from their deceased spouse (so-called survivor benefits), but it's important to explore options as part of your financial planning.
In addition to the surviving spouse, other relatives, including certain children/dependents and the deceased's parents, may also be entitled to these benefits.
You may be eligible if you are the spouse, ex-spouse, child or dependent parent of someone who worked and paid Social Security taxes before they died.
Who can receive Social Security survivor benefits?
Spouses and ex-spouses
You may be eligible if:
- You are 60 years of age or older, or between 50 and 59 years of age if you have a disability;
- Was married for at least 9 months before the death of their spouse; and
- Did not remarry before age 60 (50 if disabled).
Ex-spouses who were married for at least 10 years, as well as some valid non-marital legal relationships, may be eligible.
You may be eligible regardless of your age and how long you were married. A common example is if you are caring for a child of the deceased person.
Children
The children of a deceased person may be eligible if they are unmarried and:
- They are 17 years old or younger,
- They are between 18 and 19 years old and attend school (K-12) full-time
- They are of any age if they developed a disability at age 21 or younger.
In certain circumstances, we may also pay benefits to married children, stepchildren, adopted children, grandchildren and step-grandchildren.
Adult children with disabilities
Adult children with a disability that began before the age of 22 may be eligible if one of their parents has died.
Dependent parents
You may be eligible if you are 62 years of age or older and were financially ed by your deceased child.