Who can Claim "Survivor's Benefits" Under My Social Security?

This is an interesting question, since you may not live to collect you Social Security in retirement.

Fortunately, others may be eligible to benefit from your contributions to the system following your death.

And that is only fair, after all.

Social Security is essentially a forced retirement plan.

Generally speaking, each of us contributes money into the program with the expectation that we will receive (some of) it back someday in the form of monthly payments.

Unlike other retirement plans, we do not get to choose the beneficiary or beneficiaries of our Social Security if we die before or in retirement. 

However, certain folks are eligible to claim survivor’s benefits at our passing.

In case you missed it, the Lowell Sun identified such eligible beneficiaries in an article titled “Social Security has survivor's benefits.”

The list includes:

Widows/Widowers.

A widow or widower can get full survivor’s benefits when he or she reaches retirement age (or sooner if taking care of a child under the age of 16).

Divorced Widow/Widower.

An ex-spouse who was married to the deceased for at least 10 years may be able to get survivor’s benefits.

Minor Children.

Children of the deceased under age 18 are eligible for the benefits. If still a full-time student, then benefits are available until age 19. Benefits can be claimed at anytime if the child of the deceased became disabled before age 22.

Parents.

If a parent depended on the deceased for at least half of his or her support and the parent is over age 62, then the parent is eligible for survivor benefits.

Note: The Social Security Administration is unlikely to chase you down if you are eligible for survivor’s benefits and are not claiming them.

Consequently, you need to contact your local Social Security office to begin the process.

Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When making your financial, tax and estate plans, do not go it alone. Be sure to engage competent professional counsel.

For more information about estate planning in Overland Park, KS (and throughout the rest of Kansas and Missouri), visit our estate planning website and be sure to subscribe to our complimentary estate planning e-newsletter while you are there.

Reference: Lowell Sun (January 24, 2016) “Social Security has survivor's benefits.”