Social Security Survivor Benefits for a Dependent: How They Can Help Your Family

Most immediate family members may be eligible to receive Social Security survivors benefits for dependents. This includes spouses, dependent parents and children.

Each group has different eligibility requirements and can qualify for varying benefits. You’ll want to review this information carefully before you file your claim.

The Social Security Administration calculates dependents’ survivors benefit amounts based on the full retirement benefit earned by the deceased worker.

Survivors receive different percentages of the worker’s overall benefit based on their relationship to the deceased. In some cases, benefit amounts change based on the claimant’s age.

Many factors influence how much a person can receive in spousal benefits, including age and the length of the marriage.

Spouses of retirees may receive up to 50% of their spouse’s full retirement benefit amount in spousal benefits. The spouse must be at least age 62 or have a child under age 16 in their care.

Surviving spouses may receive up to 100% of their deceased spouse’s full retirement benefit amount.

To get the full amount, a spouse must also be of full retirement age. If a spouse is between 60 and full retirement age, they can get 71.5% to 99% of the full benefit. If a spouse is between the ages of 50 and 59 and has a documented disability, they can receive up to 71.5% of the full amount.

Divorced spouses may receive spousal benefits through an ex-spouse if they are age 62 or older, were married to their ex-spouse for at least 10 years and did not remarry.

Qualifying former spouses can receive the same amount as current spouses would at the same age.

Children may be eligible for survivors benefits through Social Security if their natural parent dies before they turn 18. In some cases, children may also claim survivors benefits from a deceased adopted parent, step-parent, grandparent or step-grandparent.

Children can receive up to 75% of the deceased worker’s full retirement benefit in survivors benefits, but benefits end when the child turns 18.

Disabled children can receive Social Security survivors benefits past the age of 18. To qualify, a child must have a physical or mental condition that severely limits activities and that doctors expect to last longer than one year or result in death. This disability also must have begun before a child was 22.

A parent can receive Social Security benefits from their deceased child’s Social Security work record if a number of eligibility factors are met.

A single parent claiming parent’s benefits can receive up to 81.5% of their deceased child’s full retirement benefit amount. If two parents claim benefits, each may receive up to 75% of the child’s full retirement benefit amount.

You can apply for Social Security dependent benefits at your local Social Security Administration office or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

In some circumstances, you may need additional documents. For example, if you apply as a person with a disability, you’ll need to provide completed versions of forms SSA-3368 and SSA-827.

If you apply for benefits through your spouse or ex-spouse, you’ll need to provide your marriage certificate or divorce decree. And if you apply for benefits for a non-natural child, you’ll need to provide proof of adoption or proof of marriage between the child’s parent and the deceased worker.

First, if you plan to apply in person, schedule an appointment with your local Social Security Administration office. Gather all necessary documents before beginning your application. If you don’t have some of the required documents, Social Security staff can help you get them.

Determine what other benefits you may be entitled to and how they might affect your claim. For example, you may be eligible for a higher retirement benefit based on your own record than what you could claim in dependent benefits.

And be prepared for a brief wait before you receive your benefits. Most people receive their benefits 30 to 60 days after applying.

Your dependents can claim Social Security dependent benefits while working if they meet all other requirements. However, there are tax implications for doing this.

Social Security dependent benefits may be taxable depending on the recipient’s combined income. Combined income is defined as half of the recipient’s Social Security income plus all their other income.

If the recipient is single and their combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000, they will pay income taxes on up to 50% of their benefits. If their combined income is greater than $34,000, they will pay income taxes on up to 85% of their benefits.

If the recipient is filing jointly with a spouse and the pair has a combined income between $32,000 and $44,000, they will pay income taxes on up to 50% of their benefits. If their combined income is greater than $44,000, they will pay income taxes on up to 85% of their benefits.