When a parent dies do you get Social Security?

Losing a parent is an incredibly difficult experience. In the midst of grieving, there are also many practical matters that must be addressed, like closing accounts, handling paperwork, and determining what benefits may be available to surviving family members. One common question adult children have when a parent passes away is whether they are eligible for any of the deceased parent’s Social Security benefits.

Social Security can provide valuable income to spouses, minor children, and even adult children in some cases when a wage-earning parent dies. But the rules surrounding inheritance of Social Security benefits are complex and depend on many factors.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide answers to the most common questions adult children have about getting Social Security benefits when their parent dies. We’ll explain who is eligible, how to apply, benefit amounts, and rules around survivor benefits from Social Security.

Quick Eligibility Summary

– Minor children of a deceased parent are eligible for Social Security survivor benefits
– A surviving spouse caring for the deceased’s minor child may also receive benefits
– Adult disabled children may qualify for survivor benefits
– Adult children (over 18, not disabled) are rarely eligible for survivor benefits
– Eligibility depends on the parent’s work history and the surviving child’s age and marital status

Keep reading for detailed information on eligibility, how to apply, benefit amounts, and more.

Are minor children eligible for Social Security survivor benefits?

Yes, minor children are eligible for Social Security benefits when a working parent dies. This includes:

– Biological children of the deceased parent
– Adopted children
– Stepchildren
– Grandchildren in some cases

In Social Security terminology, these survivor benefits paid to children are called “dependent child” benefits. They are available up to age 18, or age 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school.

The deceased parent must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security to qualify for benefits. But the rules are relatively lenient for minor children to receive survivor benefits. Generally, if the deceased parent worked at least 1.5 years in the three years leading up to his or her death, the child is eligible for survivor benefits.

The minor child must be unmarried to receive benefits. If the child is receiving survivor benefits and then gets married, the benefits will end upon marriage.

So in summary, if you are under age 18 (19 if still in high school) and your parent dies, you are very likely eligible for Social Security survivor benefits.

How much are Social Security survivor benefits for children?

If eligible, the minor child will receive a monthly benefit equal to 75% of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit.

For example, if the deceased parent’s benefit amount was $1,000 per month, the minor child would receive $750 per month.

If there are multiple eligible children in the family, the benefits are divided equally among them. The total amount paid to a family cannot exceed between 150-180% of the deceased parent’s basic benefit amount.

The minor child can receive this benefit in addition to any Social Security benefit they may be receiving based on their other parent’s earnings record.

Can a surviving spouse or guardian receive benefits for a minor child?

Yes. If there is a surviving spouse or appointed guardian caring for the deceased’s minor child, that person may be eligible for Social Security benefits while caring for the child.

These are called “mother’s or father’s” benefits by Social Security. The guardian or surviving spouse does not need to be the biological parent of the child to qualify.

The spouse or guardian can receive up to 75% of the deceased’s basic benefit amount while caring for the surviving child under age 16. Once the child turns 16, the benefits to the spouse/guardian end.

If the surviving spouse is also receiving Social Security payments based on their own work history, Social Security will pay the higher amount of their own benefit or the 75% survivor benefit – not both.

So in many cases, the minor child receives payments in his or her name and the surviving spouse or guardian also receives a benefit that is intended to help with expenses related to raising the child.

Are adult disabled children eligible for benefits when a parent dies?

Yes, disabled adult children may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits when a parent passes away.

To qualify, the individual must:

– Have a disability that began before age 22
– Remain unmarried
– Have been “dependent” on the deceased parent

Adult children are considered “dependent” if they receive at least 50% of their support from the deceased parent. So an unmarried adult child who is living at home, supported by mom and dad, would likely meet the dependency requirements.

Disabled adult children may receive up to 75% of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit. Unlike minor child benefits, these payments continue throughout the disabled child’s life provided they remain unmarried.

So unmarried adult children with disabilities lasting since before age 22 should explore these important benefits available to them.

Can non-disabled adult children receive Social Security survivor benefits?

For adult children without disabilities, eligibility for Social Security survivor benefits is very limited. Unfortunately, there is no broad entitlement to benefits for non-disabled adult children when a working parent dies.

However, there are a few exceptions. An adult child may be able to receive survivor benefits if:

– They were married to the deceased parent for at least 9 months immediately prior to the death. For example, a stay-at-home mom or dad supported by their spouse.
– The adult child is caring for a child who is entitled to survivor benefits on the deceased parent’s record. For example, a grandchild being raised by a single adult child.

Outside of these limited situations, non-disabled adult children will not be eligible for any survivor benefits from Social Security based on a deceased parent’s work history.

Why are benefits limited for non-disabled adult children?

Social Security survivor benefits are intended to replace lost income for those dependent upon the deceased worker.

Minor children, disabled adult children, and spouses are presumed to have relied upon the deceased parent for financial support. But non-disabled adult children are expected to provide for themselves through work history and savings once they are 18.

So Social Security survivor rules focus available benefits on those most likely to have been dependent and suffered an economic loss when the parent died. With limited exceptions, independent adult children do not have a strong claim to a share of the deceased parent’s benefits.

How do I apply for Social Security survivor benefits?

If you believe you may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits based on a deceased parent’s work history, follow these steps:

1. Contact Social Security to begin your claim

You can apply for survivor benefits by:

– Calling 800-772-1213 to make an appointment at your local Social Security office
– Visiting your local Social Security office without an appointment
– Applying online in some cases at www.ssa.gov

When you begin the application process, Social Security will explain which documents and information you need to provide.

Some common documents required include:

– Death certificate of the deceased wage earner
– Your birth certificate
– Social Security numbers for any dependent children
– Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status
– Marriage or divorce records if applicable
– Disability records if applying as a disabled adult child

2. Complete the application process

Follow through with providing any documents, forms or information requested by Social Security.

The agency will review your eligibility based on factors like the parent’s work history, your age when the parent died, and the timing of any disability.

If approved, you will receive a notice explaining your monthly benefit amount and when payments will begin.

3. Set up payment delivery

Finally, you can select how you want to receive your monthly Social Security payments. Most beneficiaries choose:

– Direct deposit to a bank account, or
– A prepaid debit card from the government called Direct Express

Direct deposit ensures accurate and timely delivery of benefits each month.

When will I receive my first survivor benefit payment?

If approved, Social Security survivor benefits are paid in the month after your parent died.

For example, if your dad passed away in September, your first benefit would be paid in October covering that month.

In most cases, benefit payments will be dated back to your eligibility date – not just beginning the month you apply. So do not delay applying, as it can result in missed payments.

One exception is for disabled adult children. In those cases, benefits are payable only from the date of application rather than the date of death. So disabled children should apply as soon as possible after the parent dies.

Does Social Security pay survivor benefits for former spouses?

Yes, a surviving divorced spouse may receive Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse’s earnings record under certain conditions. Here are the requirements:

– The couple must have been married for at least 10 years
– The surviving ex-spouse must remain unmarried until age 60 to receive full survivor benefits
– The benefit is based on what the ex-spouse would have been entitled to at full retirement age

So if Jane and John were married 15 years, divorced 5 years ago, and John dies at age 58, Jane would be eligible for survivor benefits from Social Security as John’s surviving ex-spouse.

The benefit amount Jane would receive is based on what John’s benefit would have been at his full retirement age (likely age 66-67 for John’s birth cohort). Jane must remain unmarried until her own retirement age to receive the full benefit rate as John’s survivor.

Do I have to pay taxes on Social Security survivor benefits?

Whether Social Security benefits are taxable depends on your “provisional income” – which is your adjusted gross income, non-taxable interest, and 50% of your Social Security payments.

If your provisional income is above $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (married filing jointly), up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable. Above $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (married filing jointly), up to 85% may be taxable.

Any Social Security benefits included in your taxable income are then subject to federal income taxes, and may also be subject to state taxes depending on where you live.

Survivor benefits paid to minor children are not subject to income tax.

Can I receive both survivor benefits and my own benefits?

In some cases, yes. As a Social Security beneficiary, you can receive both your own benefit based on your work history and a survivor benefit based on your deceased parent’s work history.

Here are a few examples of when you may qualify for both:

A spouse collecting benefits as a widow or widower

Surviving spouses can receive their own benefits and switch to the higher survivor benefit when the deceased spouse would have reached full retirement age.

So a widow could take her own benefit at age 62, and then add the survivor benefit at her deceased husband’s full retirement age of 66 for a higher monthly amount.

A minor child also eligible on a living parent’s record

Eligible minor children can receive survivor benefits on one deceased parent’s record, while also getting benefits on their living parent’s record. The benefits are layered for a higher total amount.

A disabled adult eligible on their own record

A disabled adult child receiving disability benefits on their own record can add survivor benefits if an eligible parent dies. This boosts their total monthly payment.

In limited situations like these, a beneficiary may essentially receive two Social Security benefits added together. Always let Social Security know if you qualify on multiple earnings records.

Conclusion

Losing a parent is heartbreaking, and leaves many wondering if they are eligible for any of the parent’s Social Security benefits. While minor children nearly always qualify, benefits to non-disabled adult children are very limited. Disabled adult children, surviving spouses, and some ex-spouses may also be eligible for survivor payments after a parent dies.

The rules around Social Security survivor benefits can be complex. But contacting the Social Security Administration promptly after a parent’s death can help clarify what benefits are available. Social Security survivor income can be an important resource for grieving families transitioning after their loss.

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