Guides / Life Events

Survivors Benefits: A Guide to This Often-Overlooked Insurance Add-On

Social Security isn't just a retirement program. The survivors benefit built into every worker's Social Security taxes is worth factoring into your family's life insurance planning.

Who becomes eligible

Part of every Social Security tax payment funds survivors benefits. When a worker who paid into the system dies, benefits can flow to a widow or widower, dependent children, and dependent parents. Roughly 98 percent of children in the U.S. are eligible for benefits if a working parent dies, making Social Security the largest source of children's benefits of any federal program.

Eligibility depends on "credits" earned through covered work; most people earn up to four credits a year, and the number required scales down the younger the worker is at death, capped at 40 credits total. A special rule protects families even without full credits: benefits can still go to a surviving spouse caring for the worker's children, and to the children themselves, as long as the worker had credit for about 18 months of work in the three years before death.

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Who can actually receive benefits

A widow or widower can receive full benefits at full retirement age (66 to 67, depending on birth year), reduced benefits as early as age 60, or benefits at any age if caring for the worker's child under 16 or disabled. Dependent parents age 62 or older, and unmarried children under 18 (19 if still in secondary school), also qualify; disabled children can qualify at any age if the disability began before 22. A one-time $255 payment is also available to a surviving spouse or minor children where work credits allow.

Divorced spouses can qualify too, generally if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and the survivor is 60 or older (50 if disabled), or at any age if caring for the deceased's child under 16 or disabled.

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How much survivors receive

Benefit amounts scale with the deceased worker's average lifetime earnings, subject to a family maximum generally between 150 and 180 percent of the worker's own benefit. As a general guide: a widow or widower at full retirement age typically receives 100 percent of the worker's basic benefit; age 60 to full retirement age, roughly 71 to 99 percent; and a widow, widower, or child caring for or being a child under 16 typically receives 75 percent. Create a mySocialSecurity account at ssa.gov, or call 800-772-1213, to get a personalized estimate for your own family.

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How to apply

You'll need proof of death, Social Security numbers for both the deceased and the applicant, birth and marriage certificates as applicable, and dependent children's Social Security numbers and birth certificates. Apply promptly, since some benefits aren't retroactive. If you're already receiving spousal benefits based on the deceased's work, those payments typically convert to survivors benefits automatically once the death is reported; if you're receiving benefits on your own record, you may be entitled to a higher combined amount as a widow or widower.

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Medicare basics for survivors

Medicare, available at 65 (or earlier for disability or kidney failure), has four parts: Part A covers hospital and skilled nursing care, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient services, Part C (Medicare Advantage) bundles coverage through private insurers, and Part D covers prescription drugs. Many retirees also carry a Medigap supplement to cover gaps in Original Medicare. Your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) can help you navigate the options.

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Confidentiality of your information

The Social Security Administration keeps your personal information confidential and will generally only discuss it with you directly. If you want someone else to help handle your Social Security matters, they'll need your written consent.

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Frequently asked questions

Should survivors benefits affect how much life insurance I buy?

Yes, it's worth factoring in. Since roughly 98 percent of children are eligible for some level of Social Security benefit if a working parent dies, this coverage can offset part of what you'd otherwise need to insure separately.

Can a divorced spouse collect survivors benefits?

Generally yes, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and the survivor is 60 or older (50 if disabled), or at any age while caring for the deceased's child under 16 or disabled.

How do I estimate what my family would receive?

Create a mySocialSecurity account at ssa.gov for a personalized estimate, or call the Social Security Administration directly at 800-772-1213.

This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not tax, legal, financial, or investment advice. Every business situation is different, so consult a licensed professional before making decisions based on this content.