Social Security survivors benefits

Who qualifies

• Widow or widower — aged 60+ (50+ if disabled); or any age if caring for the deceased's child under 16 or disabled child
• Divorced widow/widower — if the marriage lasted at least 10 years
• Children — unmarried and under 18 (under 19 if in school), or disabled before age 22
• Dependent parents — aged 62+, if you provided at least 50% of their support

The deceased worker must have worked long enough to have earned the required number of Social Security credits (as few as 6 credits for young workers who die early).

How much you get

Surviving spouses can receive up to 100% of the deceased worker's benefit amount (if claimed at full retirement age) or 71.5–100% if claimed earlier. Children receive 75% of the worker's benefit. There is a family maximum that limits the total amount paid to all family members at once.

One-time lump sum

SSA pays a one-time $255 death benefit to the surviving spouse or certain children. Apply within 2 years of the death.