Survivor benefits are monthly payments to family members when a worker who paid into Social Security dies

When someone who worked and paid Social Security taxes passes away, their spouse, children, and sometimes parents may receive monthly payments based on that person's earnings record. These payments are separate from any life insurance or pension — they come from Social Security itself. The amount each family member receives depends on the worker's age at death, how much they earned over their lifetime, and the relationship of each survivor to the worker.

You do not need to be young or have young children to receive survivor benefits. A widow or widower can receive payments at age 60, or at any age if caring for a child under 16. Adult children with disabilities may receive benefits if the disability began before age 22. The key is that someone must report the death to Social Security and provide proof of the relationship.

Key Takeaways

  • A widow, widower, or surviving ex-spouse can receive benefits at age 60, or at any age while caring for the worker's child under 16.
  • Unmarried children under 19 (or up to 23 if in high school full-time) can receive benefits, as can adult children disabled before age 22.
  • Parents of the worker can receive benefits if they were dependent on the worker's income and are at least 62 years old.
  • The total amount paid to all family members is capped at 150 to 180 percent of what the worker would have received, so each person's share may be reduced if the family is large.
  • You must contact Social Security with a death certificate and proof of relationship to start receiving payments.

Who qualifies as a survivor

A widow or widower can receive benefits starting at age 60, or at any age if caring for the worker's child who is under 16. If you were divorced from the worker but the marriage lasted at least 10 years, you may also may have access to as a surviving ex-spouse under the same rules. Your own earnings do not affect whether you can receive survivor benefits, though they may affect the amount if you are under full retirement age and working.

Unmarried children of the worker can receive benefits if they are under 19 and not in school, or under 23 if enrolled full-time in high school or below. Children who became disabled before age 22 can receive benefits for life, regardless of current age. Stepchildren and adopted children usually may have access to the same way as biological children, as long as the worker was supporting them.

Parents of the worker can receive benefits if they were dependent on the worker's income, are at least 62 years old, and have not remarried since the worker's death. This is less common but available when an adult worker was the main support for an aging parent.

How much each family member receives

Social Security calculates a Primary Insurance Amount based on the worker's lifetime earnings. This is the amount the worker would have received at full retirement age. Survivor benefits are then paid as a percentage of that amount — typically 75 percent for a child, 75 percent for a widow or widower at full retirement age, and 71.5 percent for a widow or widower at age 60.

However, the total paid to all family members combined cannot exceed 150 to 180 percent of the worker's Primary Insurance Amount. The exact cap varies slightly by the worker's age at death. If the family is large, Social Security divides the available amount among all survivors, which means each person's share is reduced proportionally. A family with one child and a surviving spouse receives more per person than a family with four children and a surviving spouse, even if the worker's earnings were identical.

The amount does not change based on how many survivors there are — Social Security does not pay more money total because a family is larger. Instead, the fixed family maximum is split among more people. You can see an estimate of what each family member might receive by creating a my Social Security account online or calling Social Security directly.

How to report a death and start receiving payments

When a worker dies, someone in the family should contact Social Security as soon as possible. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office in person. You will need the worker's Social Security number and a death certificate. Social Security does not automatically know when someone has died, even if the death was reported to Medicare or another government agency.

After you report the death, Social Security will ask for proof of your relationship to the worker — a birth certificate for a child, a marriage certificate for a spouse, or adoption papers if applicable. If you are a surviving ex-spouse, bring the divorce decree. If you are a parent, bring documents showing you were dependent on the worker's income. Processing usually takes a few weeks, and payments typically begin the month after the month of death.

If the worker had a my Social Security account, a family member with access can report the death online through that account. Otherwise, a phone call or office visit is the standard way to start the process. Some funeral homes will report the death to Social Security on behalf of the family, but it is safer to confirm this has been done rather than assume it.

Survivor benefits and work earnings

If you are receiving survivor benefits and you work, your earnings may reduce your monthly payment — but only if you are under full retirement age. The reduction applies only to you, not to other family members receiving benefits on the same worker's record. For 2024, Social Security reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above a certain limit (the limit changes each year). Once you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer affect your benefit amount.

This earnings test does not explore to children receiving benefits, even if they work. It also does not explore to a widow or widower at full retirement age or older. If you are a widow or widower under full retirement age and working, only your own benefit is reduced — your children's benefits continue unchanged.

Survivor benefits and remarriage

If you are a widow, widower, or surviving ex-spouse and you remarry, your survivor benefits usually stop. However, if you remarry after age 60 (or after age 50 if you are disabled), your benefits continue. This rule gives older survivors the option to remarry without losing their income.

If you remarry before age 60 and later divorce again, you may be able to restart your survivor benefits. The rules are complex and depend on the timing of your remarriage and divorce. Contact Social Security to discuss your specific situation if this applies to you.

Survivor benefits for ex-spouses

A surviving ex-spouse can receive benefits on the worker's record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and you have not remarried (unless you remarried after age 60). You do not need permission from the worker's current family, and your benefits do not reduce what others receive. The family maximum still applies, but your share is calculated separately.

If you were divorced and the worker remarried, you can still receive survivor benefits. If you were divorced multiple times and each marriage lasted at least 10 years, you may be able to receive benefits on more than one ex-spouse's record — though you receive only one benefit at a time, based on whichever is higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive survivor benefits if the worker did not have a will or life insurance?

Yes. Survivor benefits are based on the worker's Social Security record, not on a will or life insurance. As long as the worker paid Social Security taxes and you meet the relationship and age requirements, you may receive benefits. You do not need to be named in a will or have any other legal document.

What if the worker had very low earnings or worked for only a few years?

The worker must have earned enough Social Security credits to be insured for survivor benefits. Generally, this means working and paying taxes for at least 10 years, though younger workers who die may have earned enough credits with less time in the workforce. Contact Social Security with the worker's Social Security number to find out whether survivor benefits are available.

Do survivor benefits count as income for other programs like Medicaid or SSI?

Yes, survivor benefits are counted as income for means-tested programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid in most states. However, some states have different rules. Contact your state Medicaid office or local SSI office to understand how survivor benefits affect your other benefits.

Can I receive survivor benefits and my own Social Security retirement benefit at the same time?

No. If you are may be able to access for both, Social Security pays you the higher amount. For example, if you are a widow at full retirement age, you receive either your own retirement benefit or your survivor benefit — whichever is larger — but not both.

What happens to survivor benefits if I move out of the country?

Survivor benefits generally continue if you move to most countries. However, benefits may stop if you move to certain countries where Social Security does not have an agreement. Contact Social Security before moving internationally to confirm your benefits will continue.