Social Security Benefits

 Eligibility

To receive monthly benefits, the deceased worker must have credit for work covered by Social Security ranging from 1 1/2 to 10 years
depending on his or her age at death. Those eligible for monthly benefits include:

• A widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled

• A divorced widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) if the marriage lasted 10 years or if caring for an entitled child who
  is under 16 or disabled

• Unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school full-time)

• Children who were disabled before reaching 22 as long as they remained disabled

• Dependent parent or parents 62 or older 

How to apply for benefits:

You may apply for benefits by telephone or by going to any Social Security Office. Some of the documents and information you will need are outlined below. You should begin the application process without delay. This will enable you to determine the documents you have and which documents you will need to obtain. Your social security office can help you with this.

Information needed:

You will need to submit original documents or copies certified by the issuing office. You can bring them to the social security office or mail them. If mailed, a certified return receipt is advised. Social Security will make photocopies and return your documents to you. 

• Your Social Security number and the deceased worker’s Social Security Number. 

• A death certificate: your funeral director can provide you with the document. 

• Proof of the deceased worker’s earnings for the last year (W-2 forms or self-employment tax return.)

• Your birth certificate.

• A marriage certificate, if you are applying for benefits as a widow, widower, divorced wife, or divorced husband.

• A divorce decree if you are applying for benefits as a divorced wife or husband. 

• Children’s birth certificates & SS# if applying for children’s benefits.

• A checking or saving account number if you elect direct deposit of SS benefits. You will also need the banks address and transit number.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

If you are 65 or older, disabled, or blind, ask the Social Security representative about the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks for people with limited income & resources. If you receive SSI, you may qualify for Medicaid, food stamps and other social services.

A Reminder

If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, any checks, which arrive after the date of the death, may need to be returned to the Social Security Office. If Social Security checks were being directly deposited into bank account, the bank needs to be notified of the death.

Applying for Benefits

You must apply in order to receive benefits. You may apply at any Social Security office, by telephone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at www.ssa.gov.