When a wage earner passes away, the financial impact on surviving family members can be immediate and severe. Social Security survivors benefits provide monthly income to eligible spouses, children, and dependent parents.
What Are Social Security Survivors Benefits?
Survivors benefits are monthly payments made to family members of a deceased worker who earned enough Social Security credits. A worker generally needs 40 credits (about 10 years of work) for survivors to qualify.
Who Can Receive Survivors Benefits?
- Surviving spouse age 60 or older
- Surviving spouse age 50-59 with a disability
- Surviving spouse at any age caring for a child under 16
- Unmarried children under 18 (or 19 if in high school)
- Children of any age with disabilities (began before age 22)
- Dependent parents age 62 or older
Divorced spouses may also qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
How Much Will You Receive?
| Recipient | Percentage of Worker's Benefit |
|---|---|
| Surviving spouse at full retirement age | 100% |
| Surviving spouse at age 60 | 71.5% |
| Surviving spouse with child under 16 | 75% |
| Each eligible child | 75% |
| Dependent parent (one surviving) | 82.5% |
Family maximum is typically 150-180% of the worker's basic benefit.
How to Apply
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Bring death certificate, your Social Security number, birth and marriage certificates, and the deceased's most recent W-2.
Apply as soon as possible — benefits can be paid retroactively for up to six months.
Special Situations
Lump-Sum Death Payment
A one-time $255 payment to a surviving spouse or eligible child. Must be applied for within two years.
Working While Receiving Benefits
Under full retirement age, benefits may be reduced if you earn more than $23,400 annually (2025). No limit at full retirement age.
Switching Between Benefit Types
If eligible for both your own retirement benefit and survivors benefit, you can take one first and switch to the other later if it's higher.
See What Benefits You Qualify For
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Start Free Assessment →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive survivors benefits if I remarry?
If you remarry before age 60, you generally cannot collect. Remarriage after 60 still allows collection.
Do survivors benefits affect SNAP or Medicaid eligibility?
Yes, survivors benefits count as income for SNAP and Medicaid.
How long do children receive survivors benefits?
Until age 18 (or 19 if in high school). Children with qualifying disabilities can receive benefits indefinitely.
What if the deceased worker did not have enough credits?
Survivors benefits may not be available. Explore Florida TANF or local Volusia County aid programs.
