The Essentials of Survivor Benefits

If a relative dies, you should apply for survivor benefits right away. Benefits are usually paid from the time you apply and not on the time, the worker died.

These are the things to do in case a relative dies:
• Notify the social security agency of the beneficiary’s death
• Notify the bank of the death , to make necessary arrangement with the agency regarding the payment
• If benefits were being paid by checks, return the checks to the agency

When applying for survivor benefits, you will be required to provide information on the following:

• Proof of death from the funeral home
• Your social security number and the number of your relatives”
• Your birth certificate
• Your marriage certificate, if you are a widow or widower
• Your divorced paper, if you are applying as a divorce widow
• Dependent children’s social security numbers, and birth certificates
• Deceased worker’s W-2 forms, or federal self-employment tax return for the recent year
• The name of your bank and bank account number
How much will you receive?

The benefit amount is often based on the average lifetime earnings of the person who died. The more the worker paid into social security, the greater the benefits will be. Survivor benefits are calculated using the deceased worker’s basic benefit amount to get the percentage, which depends on the survivor’s ages and relationship to the worker.

There is a limit to the benefits that can be paid to you and other family members each month. The maximum limit available to survivors varies but about150 to 180 percent of the deceased benefit amount is the maximum limit.

Who is entitled to receive survivor benefits?

• Widow or widower – A widow/ widower may receive full benefits at age 65 if born before January 1940.
• Your widow or widower can receive her benefits at any age if she takes care of your child
• Your unmarried children who are under 18
• Your dependent parents
For more information about the essential points of Survivor benefits consult with Los Angeles Social Security Law Attorneys