How Social Security Survivor Benefits Work

When a worker who paid into Social Security passes away, their family members may be eligible to receive survivors benefits. These monthly payments can provide critical financial support, helping a spouse, children, or even dependent parents cover living expenses. 

In fact, millions of Americans currently receive survivors benefits, making it one of the most important — yet often misunderstood — features of the Social Security system.

Survivors benefits aren’t automatic for everyone, and the rules can be complex. Eligibility depends on factors like age, marital status, whether you’re caring for children, and even remarriage.

The amount you receive also depends on the deceased worker’s earnings record, your age when you claim, and family maximum limits.

This guide breaks down who qualifies, how much you can expect, and how to apply, so families know what financial help may be available during a difficult time.

Who Can Qualify for Survivors Benefits

Survivors benefits are available to certain family members of someone who worked long enough under Social Security. The exact rules depend on your relationship to the deceased, your age, and in some cases whether you are caring for children.

Spouses and Widows/Widowers

• A surviving spouse can receive reduced benefits starting as early as age 60, or age 50 if disabled.
• At full retirement age for survivors, the widow or widower can receive 100% of the deceased worker’s benefit.
• If caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled, a spouse of any age can qualify.
• A divorced spouse may also qualify if the marriage lasted 10 years or more, as long as other eligibility rules are met.

Children

• Unmarried children under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school) can receive survivors benefits.
• Children of any age can qualify if they have a disability that began before age 22.
• Stepchildren, adopted children, and in some cases grandchildren may be eligible.

Dependent Parents

• Parents age 62 or older who depended on the deceased worker for at least half of their financial support may qualify for benefits.

Remarriage Rules

• If a surviving spouse remarries before age 60 (or 50 if disabled), they usually lose eligibility.
• Remarriage at age 60 or later does not affect survivors benefits.

How Much You Could Receive

The amount of Social Security survivors benefits depends on the deceased worker’s earnings record and the survivor’s age when they begin receiving benefits. Like retirement benefits, claiming early means reduced payments, while waiting until full retirement age for survivors (FRA-S) provides the maximum.

For Surviving Spouses and Divorced Spouses

• A widow or widower can receive 100% of the deceased worker’s benefit if they wait until their survivors full retirement age.
• Benefits can begin as early as age 60, but they’ll be reduced. For example:
  • About 71.5% of the benefit at age 60
  • About 75% at 61
  • About 80% at 63
  • Gradually increasing until 100% at FRA-S
• A surviving divorced spouse generally qualifies under the same rules if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.

For Children

• Eligible children usually receive up to 75% of the deceased worker’s benefit each month.

For Other Survivors

• Dependent parents may receive a portion of the benefit if no higher-priority survivors (like a spouse or minor children) are already collecting.

The Family Maximum
Social Security places a cap on the total amount that can be paid to all survivors on one worker’s record. Generally, the family maximum is between 150% and 180% of the worker’s basic benefit. If total survivor payments exceed this cap, each person’s benefit is proportionally reduced.

The Widow(er)’s Limit
If the deceased worker claimed retirement benefits early, the survivor’s maximum may be limited. This ensures survivors don’t receive more than the worker would have been entitled to if they were still alive.

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Working While Receiving Survivors Benefits

It’s possible to work and collect Social Security survivors benefits at the same time, but the rules depend on your age.

Before Full Retirement Age (FRA)
If you are below your full retirement age, your benefits may be temporarily reduced if you earn above a set limit. This is known as the Retirement Earnings Test. In 2025, the limit is $22,320 per year. If you earn more than that, Social Security withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above the limit.

In the year you reach FRA, the earnings limit is higher (currently $59,520 in 2025), and only $1 is withheld for every $3 earned above that limit.

After Full Retirement Age
Once you reach your full retirement age for survivors benefits, there’s no limit on how much you can earn — you’ll receive full benefits regardless of your wages.

Not Truly Lost
Any benefits withheld because of earnings are not gone forever. Instead, Social Security recalculates your benefit at full retirement age and increases it to account for months when benefits were reduced.

Taxes on Survivors Benefits

Survivors benefits can be an important source of income, but they may also be subject to federal income taxes, depending on your overall income level.

How Taxes Work
The IRS uses a formula called combined income, which adds up your adjusted gross income (AGI), any nontaxable interest, plus half of your Social Security benefits. If your combined income exceeds certain thresholds, part of your survivors benefits may be taxable.

• If you file as single and your combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable. Above $34,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.
• If you file as married filing jointly, the range is $32,000 to $44,000 for up to 50% taxable, and above $44,000 for up to 85% taxable.

State Taxes
Some states also tax Social Security benefits, though many do not. It’s worth checking the rules where you live.

Key Point
No one pays taxes on more than 85% of their benefits, regardless of income.

The One-Time Lump-Sum Death Payment ($255)

In addition to monthly survivors benefits, Social Security provides a small one-time lump-sum death payment. Though modest, it can help cover immediate expenses after a loss.

Who Qualifies

• The payment goes first to a surviving spouse who was living with the worker at the time of death.
• If no spouse was living with the worker, the payment may go to a spouse who was already receiving benefits based on the worker’s record.
• If no eligible spouse exists, the payment can be made to a child who qualifies for survivors benefits on the worker’s record.

Important Rules

• The payment is a fixed amount of $255 — it does not increase with inflation or vary based on the worker’s earnings.
• It is not automatic in most cases. You must apply within two years of the worker’s death to receive it.

While small, this payment can help offset funeral costs or other urgent bills while the family begins receiving ongoing survivors benefits.

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How to Apply for Survivors Benefits

Survivors benefits are not automatic for most families. To start receiving monthly payments, you’ll need to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) and provide the required documentation.

How to Apply

• By phone: Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
• In person: Visit your local Social Security office.
• Online: As of 2025, survivors benefits applications cannot be completed fully online — you’ll need to speak directly with SSA.

Documents You May Need
When you apply, SSA may ask for:

• A certified copy of the death certificate
• Your birth certificate and proof of citizenship or lawful presence
• Marriage certificate (for spouses or divorced spouses)
• Divorce decree (if claiming as an ex-spouse)
• Children’s birth certificates and Social Security numbers (for child claims)
• Your bank account details for direct deposit

Automatic Conversions
If you are already receiving spousal benefits, Social Security may automatically convert your payments into survivors benefits after your spouse’s death. However, you’ll still need to contact SSA if you want to claim the one-time $255 death payment.

Timing
It’s best to apply as soon as possible, since benefits are typically paid starting the month after the worker’s death — they are not retroactive beyond certain limits.

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Coordinating With Your Own Retirement Benefit

One of the most important decisions survivors face is how to coordinate survivors benefits with their own Social Security retirement benefits.

The two cannot be collected at the same time in full — Social Security will pay the higher of the two amounts, not both. However, there are strategies to maximize lifetime income.

Option 1: Start Survivors Benefits, Delay Your Own

• Some widows and widowers choose to begin survivors benefits as early as age 60, then switch to their own retirement benefit later — often at age 70, when delayed retirement credits make it higher.
• This approach allows you to receive monthly income right away while letting your own benefit grow.

Option 2: Start Your Own, Delay Survivors Benefits

• In some cases, your own retirement benefit may be lower early on, while your survivors benefit could be higher if you wait until your full retirement age for survivors.
• This strategy is less common but can make sense if your spouse earned significantly more than you.

Important Considerations

• Timing is everything. Choosing when to claim requires looking at your health, life expectancy, and financial needs.
• You cannot double dip. Only one benefit is paid at a time, but you can switch from one to the other if it results in a higher amount.
• Seek estimates. SSA can provide personalized benefit estimates to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Special Situations & Fine Print

Social Security survivors benefits cover a wide range of family circumstances, and there are several less obvious rules that can affect eligibility.

Caring for a Child
A surviving spouse of any age can receive benefits if they are caring for the deceased worker’s child who is either under 16 or disabled.

Disabled Widow(er)s
Surviving spouses with a disability can qualify for survivors benefits as early as age 50. These benefits are reduced compared to waiting until full retirement age, but they can be a vital lifeline for those unable to work.

Dependent Parents
Parents age 62 or older who relied on the deceased worker for at least half their support may qualify.

Remarriage Exceptions
While remarriage before age 60 (or 50 if disabled) usually ends eligibility, remarriage at or after age 60 does not affect entitlement. If the later marriage ends, eligibility may be restored.

Noncitizens
Noncitizens may qualify for survivors benefits if they meet U.S. residency and lawful presence rules, as well as the general Social Security requirements.

COLA Adjustments
Just like retirement benefits, survivors benefits are adjusted each year by the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to keep up with inflation.

Family Maximum
Even if multiple survivors are eligible, Social Security caps the total paid from one worker’s record — usually between 150% and 180% of the basic benefit. If the total exceeds the cap, each individual’s benefit is reduced proportionally.

Step-By-Step Claiming Checklist

Applying for Social Security survivors benefits can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into steps makes the process much smoother. Here’s a roadmap for families navigating a loss:

1. Report the Death

• In most cases, the funeral home notifies Social Security directly. Still, you should contact SSA yourself to confirm.

2. Review Eligibility

• Identify who in the family may qualify: spouse, children, or dependent parents. Check age and relationship rules carefully.

3. Map Out Claiming Ages

• Decide when to claim benefits. For example, you might claim as early as age 60 for reduced benefits, or wait until full retirement age for the maximum.

4. Estimate Benefit Amounts

• Use SSA’s benefit calculators or call an SSA representative. Keep in mind the family maximum cap and, if applicable, the widow(er)’s limit if your spouse claimed early retirement.

5. Contact Social Security to Apply

• Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. You’ll need documents like a death certificate, birth and marriage certificates, and proof of relationship.

6. Ask About the $255 One-Time Payment

• This benefit is not automatic. If eligible, request it within two years of death.

7. Consider Work and Income

• If you’re under full retirement age, check how the Retirement Earnings Test might temporarily reduce benefits if you’re working.

8. Coordinate With Your Own Benefits

• Decide whether to take survivors benefits first and switch to your own retirement later, or the other way around, depending on which strategy maximizes lifetime income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does remarriage affect my survivors benefits?
Yes — remarriage before age 60 (or 50 if disabled) generally ends eligibility. Remarriage at 60 or later does not.

Can multiple family members receive benefits at the same time?
Yes, but the total paid is limited by the family maximum (about 150%–180% of the worker’s benefit). If the cap is exceeded, each person’s share is reduced.

Do survivors benefits increase with inflation?
Yes. Survivors benefits receive the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), just like retirement benefits.

Are survivors benefits taxable?
They can be. Depending on your combined income, up to 85% of benefits may be taxable at the federal level.

Financial Support in a Difficult Time

Social Security survivors benefits are one of the most important parts of the Social Security system. They provide ongoing income to spouses, children, and sometimes parents after a worker passes away — often helping families stay afloat during a period of grief and transition.

While the rules can be complex, understanding who qualifies, how much you can receive, and how to apply ensures your family doesn’t miss out on support they’ve earned. 

Whether you’re deciding when to claim, coordinating benefits with your own retirement, or simply trying to cover immediate expenses with the $255 lump sum, survivors benefits are designed to provide stability when it’s needed most.