Social Security assists families by providing income for families of workers who have passed away. The Social Security Administration (SSA) should be notified as soon as possible when someone passes away. You are unable to report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. Usually, the funeral home will notify the SSA regarding the person’s death.
Survivor benefits are based on the earnings of the person who died. The more they paid into Social Security, the higher the benefits will be. The amount is given every month and is the percentage of the deceased’s basic Social Security benefit. The amount depends on a few different factors such as age and the type of benefit you are eligible to collect. If the person who died was receiving benefits at a reduced amount, then the survivor’s benefit will be based on that amount.
If you are a widow or widower of the deceased worker and have reached full retirement age, then you will receive 100% of the benefit amount. If you are a widow or widower of a worker who has died and between the age of 60 and full retirement age, then you may receive 71.5% – 99% off the benefits. A disabled widow or widower age 50-59 are eligible to receive 71.5%.
A widow or widower of any age who has a child under the age of 16 (and is caring for he or she) may receive 75% of the workers’ benefits. If a surviving child is under the age of 18 or disabled, he or she may receive 75% of the deceased workers’ benefits. If you are a dependent parent of the deceased worker and you are 62 years old or older, one surviving parent may receive 82.5%. If there are two surviving parents, 75% goes to each parent.
The Social Security Disability claims process can be complicated and confusing. An experienced attorney from Keches Law Group can guide you through the process and help make sure your rights are protected. Contact us for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.
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