Social Security Administration Survivor Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides survivor benefits to your dependent surviving family members after your death if you have enough SSA work credits, which are based upon your earnings history.

However, your age at death will determine the number of credits necessary for your family members’ eligibility-if you die young, fewer credits are required for your family to qualify.

Under a special rule, the SSA may also provide your family with benefits even if your earnings history lacks the number of needed credits. 

How do you know how much your family will qualify for in survivor benefits? Contact a Social Security survivor benefits attorney with Bassett Murray Law Group, PLLC, in Ann Arbor, MI, by calling 734-930-9200.

Who Qualifies to Receive Survivor Benefits Under Social Security?

Most people wonder how their deaths will affect their spouse, children, or dependent parents. The Social Security Administration will pay benefits to immediate family members and other qualifying relatives, including:

• Your widow or widower (i.e., the spouse to whom you were married at the time of your death) who is over age 60
• A disabled widow or widower who is over age 50
• Your widow or widower who cares for your child(ren) under age 16 or a disabled child
• Unmarried children under 18 years of age (19 if attending school full-time)
• Children of any age with a disability diagnosed before age 22
• Your divorced spouse, if the marriage lasted over 10 years 
• Your divorced spouse if the spouse is caring for your child who is under 16 or is caring for a disabled child receiving disability benefits regardless of the length of the marriage 
• Your dependent parents who receive more than half their support from you (can include a stepparent or adoptive parent)

How Much Survivors Can Receive as a Monthly Benefit

Your family’s survivor benefits are dependent on their situation.  Examples of benefits include:

• A surviving spouse who has reached full retirement age and who is receiving retirement benefits can receive 100% of your benefits
• A surviving spouse aged 60 to full retirement age can receive 71.5-99% of your benefits
• A disabled surviving spouse aged 50 to 59 can receive 71.5% of your benefits
• A minor child, child aged 19 and in school, or disabled child can receive 75% of your benefits
• If there is one surviving parent who is over the age of 62 who is caring for your dependent, they can receive 82.5% of your benefits
• If there is more than one surviving parent who is over the age of 62 who is caring for your dependent, each parent can receive 75% of your benefits

For Families Who Recently Lost a Loved One: How a Social Security Benefits Attorney Can Help You

If you recently lost a loved one, you may qualify to receive SSA survivor benefits. The funeral home can report the death to the Social Security office, or you can file the report (by phone, but not online) and request your benefits. Then you must file several forms with Social Security. For help completing the necessary forms to report your loved one’s death, contact our law firm.

Contact a Social Security Survivor Benefits Attorney in Ann Arbor, MI

At Bassett Murray Law Group, PLLC, in Ann Arbor, MI, we have over 30 years of experience helping our clients qualify for Social Security benefits. Call us at 734-930-9200 or contact us online.