Understanding Your Rights- How to Receive Your Spouse’s Social Security Benefits Upon Their Passing

Do I Get My Spouse’s Social Security If They Die?

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult time, and the last thing on your mind might be financial matters. However, understanding your rights to your spouse’s Social Security benefits can provide some peace of mind during this challenging period. In this article, we will explore the different scenarios under which you may be eligible to receive your spouse’s Social Security benefits upon their passing.

Eligibility for Spousal Benefits

If your spouse passes away, you may be eligible for survivor benefits, which are a type of Social Security benefit that you can receive based on your deceased spouse’s earnings record. To be eligible for these benefits, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You must be at least 60 years old.
2. You must be at least 50 years old and have a disability, with the disability occurring at least two years before your spouse’s death.
3. You must be caring for your deceased spouse’s child who is under the age of 16 or disabled.

Percentage of Benefits

If you are eligible for survivor benefits, you will receive a percentage of your deceased spouse’s Social Security benefits. The percentage you receive depends on your age at the time of your spouse’s death:

1. If you are between the ages of 60 and 64, you will receive 71.5% of your spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA).
2. If you are between the ages of 65 and 69, you will receive 82.5% of your spouse’s PIA.
3. If you are between the ages of 70 and 74, you will receive 90% of your spouse’s PIA.
4. If you are 75 or older, you will receive 92% of your spouse’s PIA.

When to Apply

It is important to apply for survivor benefits as soon as possible after your spouse’s death. The application process can take several weeks, and you may be eligible to receive retroactive benefits for up to six months before the application was submitted. To apply, you can visit your local Social Security office, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or apply online at www.ssa.gov.

Other Considerations

In some cases, you may be eligible for additional benefits, such as:

1. Children’s benefits: If you have children under the age of 18 (or under 19 if they are attending high school full-time), you may be eligible for children’s benefits.
2. Disabled adult children: If you have a disabled child who is under the age of 18 (or under 22 if they are attending college), you may be eligible for disabled adult children’s benefits.
3. Divorced spouse benefits: If you were married to your deceased spouse for at least 10 years, you may be eligible for divorced spouse benefits.

Conclusion

Understanding your rights to your spouse’s Social Security benefits can help you navigate the financial aspects of your loved one’s passing. By knowing the eligibility criteria, percentage of benefits, and application process, you can ensure that you receive the support you need during this difficult time. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the Social Security Administration for assistance.