What Age Can You Collect Survivor Benefits?

Social Security survivor benefits provide financial support to eligible family members of a deceased worker who earned sufficient Social Security credits. These benefits help cover daily living expenses after the loss of a wage earner. Social Security includes provisions for survivors, recognizing the financial impact a death can have on a family.

Who Can Receive Survivor Benefits

Individuals may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits based on their relationship to the deceased worker. The worker must have earned sufficient Social Security credits and paid Social Security taxes. Generally, 40 credits (about 10 years of work) are needed for full benefits, though younger workers may require fewer.

Spouses, including divorced spouses, may qualify. A widow or widower can be eligible if age 60 or older, or age 50 to 59 with a disability. The marriage must have lasted at least nine months before the worker’s death.

A surviving spouse of any age can also receive benefits if caring for the deceased worker’s child who is under age 16 or has a disability and is receiving Social Security benefits. Remarriage before age 60 (or age 50 if disabled) generally prevents benefits, but remarriage after these ages does not. Divorced spouses are eligible if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.

Children of the deceased worker can receive benefits if unmarried and under age 18, or up to age 19 if a full-time student in elementary or secondary school. Children who developed a disability before age 22 can be eligible at any age. This includes biological, adopted, stepchildren, and in some cases, grandchildren.

Dependent parents of the deceased worker may also be eligible. To qualify, parents must be age 62 or older and have been financially supported by the deceased worker for at least half of their support at the time of death.

When to Start Receiving Benefits

The age at which a survivor begins collecting benefits significantly impacts the monthly amount received. Specific age requirements vary depending on the survivor’s relationship to the deceased worker.

Widows and widowers, including divorced spouses, can begin receiving reduced survivor benefits as early as age 60, or age 50 if disabled. Claiming benefits before their Full Retirement Age (FRA) for survivor benefits results in a permanent reduction. The FRA for survivors differs from the FRA for retirement benefits; for those born in 1962 or later, the survivor’s FRA is 67. A surviving spouse claiming at age 60 might receive between 71.5% and 99% of the worker’s basic benefit, with the percentage increasing closer to their FRA. A surviving spouse caring for a child under age 16 or a disabled child can receive 75% of the deceased worker’s benefit, regardless of their own age.

Children can generally receive survivor benefits until age 18, or up to age 19 if attending high school full-time. If a child has a disability that began before age 22, they can continue to receive benefits at any age as long as they remain disabled. An eligible child can receive 75% of their deceased parent’s basic benefit amount.

Dependent parents are eligible to receive benefits starting at age 62. If there are two eligible dependent parents, each may receive 75% of the deceased worker’s benefit. If only one dependent parent is eligible, they may receive 82.5% of the worker’s benefit.

An individual may be eligible for both survivor benefits and retirement benefits based on their own work record. If both are available, the Social Security Administration will pay the higher amount. It is possible to claim survivor benefits first and then switch to one’s own retirement benefits later, especially if delaying one’s own retirement benefits would result in a higher monthly payment due to delayed retirement credits, up to age 70. If the deceased worker claimed their own retirement benefits early, it could permanently reduce the potential survivor benefits for their spouse.

Information Needed to Apply

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires specific records to verify eligibility. Applicants will need the deceased worker’s Social Security number and their own Social Security number. Proof of death, such as a death certificate or a statement from a funeral home, is also required. For the applicant, a birth certificate or other proof of birth is necessary.

If applying as a surviving spouse, a marriage certificate is needed. For a divorced spouse, a divorce decree is required. For children’s benefits, their birth certificates and Social Security numbers must be provided.

W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax returns for the deceased worker’s most recent year are necessary to verify earnings. Banking information, including the bank name and account number, is needed for direct deposit. The SSA advises against delaying the application if some documents are missing, as they can assist in obtaining them.

The Application Process

The Social Security Administration offers several methods for submitting an application. It is advisable to begin the process promptly, as benefits may be paid from the time of application.

Applications for survivor benefits can be completed by phone or in person at a local Social Security office. While some Social Security applications are available online, survivor benefit applications may not be. To apply by phone, call the SSA’s toll-free number. For in-person applications, contacting the SSA to schedule an appointment is often recommended.

During the application process, an interview will take place where provided information and documents are reviewed. The SSA verifies the information, checks earnings records, and determines the correct benefit amount. Processing time for claims varies, typically taking 30 to 60 days to receive an award letter. In some cases, it might extend to 8 to 12 weeks if complications arise or additional documentation is needed.

After a decision is made, benefits are generally paid monthly. If approved, payments are often retroactive to the eligibility date. If a claim is denied, applicants have the right to appeal the decision. The SSA can provide guidance on the appeals process.