Survivors Benefits

Survivors: You can receive Social Security if your spouse or parent paid sufficient Social Security taxes and is now dead.

• Unmarried Widow (er): You can qualify for survivor benefits as early as age 60 or age 50 if disabled.  If you apply at age 60 for survivors widow/widower benefits you can still apply for benefits based on your own wages when you reach age 62, or full retirement age. Some states recognize common-law-marriage, and SSA will honor the common-law-marriage by issuing survivors benefits.  Check out the states and rules regarding Common-law status. For information about SSA and common-law marriage click HERE

• Children: You can receive survivor benefits if you are an unmarried child under 18 (up to age 19 if attending elementary or secondary school full time) of a worker who dies. You can get benefits at any age if you were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled. Natural children, stepchildren, adopted children and in some instances grandchildren may be able to qualify.

Where to apply?

You apply by going to the local Social Security Office that serves your address. If you are not sure you qualify you can call 1-800-772-1213 or go online to screen for benefits. You can start your application three (3) months prior to when you are planning to retire.