Social Security Benefits
What is Social Security?
Social Security is a vital government program that provides financial assistance to individuals during retirement, disability, or in the unfortunate event of a loved one’s death. It serves as a safety net for families, offering crucial support that can alleviate some of the financial burdens that arise after the loss of a primary income earner. For those who qualify, Social Security can provide various benefits, including ongoing payments to surviving family members, which can help with day-to-day living expenses. This financial assistance can also help cover funeral expenses and other related costs, making it an essential consideration during such a difficult time. Understanding the various Social Security benefits available is crucial for families navigating the aftermath of a loved one’s passing. By ensuring they access the financial support they are entitled to, families can focus more on healing and honoring their loved one, rather than being overwhelmed by financial concerns during this emotional period.
Social Security Benefits
Certain family members of the deceased may qualify for Social Security benefits if the individual had worked long enough to meet the necessary requirements. It’s important to contact the Social Security Administration promptly to ensure that the family receives all available benefits. Please review the following information to understand the potential benefits that may be accessible.
A one-time payment of $255 can be issued to the surviving spouse if they were living with the deceased at the time of death, or if they were living separately but were receiving specific Social Security benefits based on the deceased’s record. In cases where there is no surviving spouse, this payment may go to an eligible child who qualifies for benefits under the deceased’s record in the month of the individual’s passing.
Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits, including:
- A widow or widower age 60 or older (age 50 or older if disabled);
- A surviving spouse at any age who is caring for the deceased’s child under age 16 or disabled;
- An unmarried child of the deceased who is younger than age 18 (or age 18 or 19 if he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or secondary school); or age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22;
- Parents, age 62 or older, who were dependent on the deceased for at least half of their support; and
- A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances.
The Social Security website serves as an excellent resource for comprehensive information on all available programs and services. You can access a variety of online features to assist with your inquiries.
In addition to the website, you can reach out to Social Security directly by calling their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Their representatives are available to address specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. For 24/7 assistance, an automated phone service is also available. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778 for support.