Navigating Social Security
Survivors Benefits
Social Security Survivor Benefits:
Ensuring Support for Families After Loss
Survivor Social Security benefits are a form of financial assistance provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to the surviving family members of a deceased individual who was eligible for Social Security benefits. These benefits are intended to provide financial support to the surviving spouse, children, or dependents of the deceased.
Eligibility for survivor benefits depends on various factors, including the relationship between the survivor and the deceased, the age of the survivor, and whether the deceased individual had accumulated enough work credits to qualify for Social Security benefits.
SSA’s official website https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/
Maui Social Security Office
2200 Main Street, Suite 125
Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: 1-800-772-1213 TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Fax: 1-833-950-2740
Hours: Monday – Friday – 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Note: It is very important that you apply as soon as possible as some benefits will not be retroactive.
Social Security Survivors Benefit FAQ’s
Am I Eligible?
- Surviving spouse: A surviving spouse may be eligible for benefits if they were married to the deceased for at least nine months (exceptions apply in certain situations) or if they have a child under the age of 16 or a disabled child in their care.
- Divorced spouse: In some cases, a divorced spouse may be eligible for survivor benefits if the marriage lasted at least ten years, they are at least 60 years old (or 50 if disabled), and they have not remarried before the age of 60 (or 50 if disabled)
- Surviving children: Unmarried children under the age of 18 (or up to 19 if still attending elementary or secondary school) may be eligible for survivor benefits. Disabled children may also qualify if their disability began before the age of 22.
- Dependent parents: If the deceased individual provided at least half of the financial support for their parents, the parents may be eligible for survivor benefits.
Can Children of Unmarried Parents Receive Benefits?
Yes, children of unmarried parents can potentially receive survivor Social Security benefits if certain conditions are met. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to eligible children based on the earnings record of a deceased parent.
For a child to be eligible for survivor benefits in the case of unmarried parents, the following criteria generally apply:
1. The child must be the biological or adopted child of the deceased parent. Stepchildren or grandchildren may also be eligible in certain situations
2. The deceased parent must have worked and earned enough work credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits. The specific work credit requirements depend on the age of the parent at the time of their death.
3. The child must meet one of the following requirements:
– The child must be the dependent of the deceased parent at the time of their death, meaning that the deceased parent was providing at least half of the child’s financial support.
– The child must be entitled to inherit from the deceased parent’s estate under state intestacy laws.
It’s important to note that additional factors can influence eligibility and the amount of benefits a child may receive, such as the child’s age, disability status, and other factors specific to the case. The SSA evaluates each application individually and makes a determination based on the provided information.
If you believe that a child of unmarried parents may be eligible for survivor Social Security benefits, it is recommended to contact the Social Security Administration directly or consult with a professional who specializes in Social Security benefits. They can provide specific guidance and help navigate the application process based on the child’s unique circumstances.
What if the deceased never paid into Social Security?
Even if the deceased was not eligible for Social Security Benefits, there are cases where child survivors can receive Social Security benefits even if their parents did not earn enough credits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to children based on the earnings record of a parent who has died, become disabled, or retired and is entitled to Social Security benefits.
The specific program that provides benefits to children in these cases is called the Social Security Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) program. This program provides financial assistance to children with disabilities, including children whose parents did not accumulate enough work credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits themselves.
To be eligible for CDB benefits, the child must meet certain criteria. These include:
1. Being under the age of 18 (or under 19 if still attending elementary or secondary school) or having a disability that began before the age of 22.
2. Having a parent who is either deceased, disabled, or retired and entitled to Social Security benefits.
3. Meeting the SSA’s definition of disability for children, which requires that the child has a physical or mental condition that results in marked and severe functional limitations.
It’s important to note that the child’s disability must meet the SSA’s specific criteria for childhood disability. The SSA will evaluate the child’s medical condition and determine if it meets their guidelines.
Even if the parent did not earn enough credits for their own Social Security benefits, if they are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Retirement benefits, their dependent children may still be able to receive benefits through the CDB program.
It’s recommended to contact the Social Security Administration directly or consult with a professional to get accurate information based on your specific situation and to understand the eligibility requirements and application process for Social Security benefits for children survivors.
How Do I Apply for Survivor's Benefits?
SSA’s official website https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/
Maui Social Security Office
2200 Main Street, Suite 125
Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: 1-800-772-1213 TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Fax: 1-833-950-2740
Hours: Monday – Friday – 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Note: It is very important that you apply as soon as possible as some benefits will not be retroactive.
It is recommended to gather the necessary documents before applying, which may include:
Navigating Social Security Survivor Benefits:
A Guide to Securing Financial Support