Social Security

How Social Security helps families

Social Security survivors benefits help ease the financial burden that follows a worker’s death. Almost all children under age 18 will get monthly benefits if a working parent dies. Other family members may be eligible for benefits, too. Anyone who has worked and paid Social Security (FICA) taxes has been earning Social Security benefits for his or her family. The amount of work needed to pay survivors benefits depends on the worker’s age at the time of death. It may be as little as 1-1/2 years for a young worker. No one needs more than 10 years.

Visit www.ssa.gov for more information.

Who can get survivors benefits?

Here is a list of family members who usually can get benefits:

• Widows and widowers age 60 or older.
• Widows and widowers at any age if caring for the deceased s children who are under age 16 or disabled.
• Divorced wives and husbands age 60 or older, if married to the deceased 10 years or more.
• Widows, Widowers, Divorced wives and divorced husbands age 50 or older, if they are disabled.
• Children up to age 18.
• Children age 18  19, if they attend elementary or high school full time.
• Children over age 18, if they become disabled before age 22.
• The deceased worker s parents age 62 or older,if they were being supported by the worker.

In order to receive benefits from Social Security you must:

• Report to your local Social Security office
• Provide proof of death (Certified Death Certificate)
• Provide proof of marriage (Marriage License, Marriage Certification or Tax Return)