Question about SS death benefits.

Does anyone know how SS death benefits work? After the kids are 18 does the wife need to wait until she becomes of age in order to collect her husband's SS benefits. My girlfriend's husband died suddenly and she has no idea how anything works. Her boys are 13 and 16 and she is only in her 40s.

Question about SS death benefits.

I am not a 100% sure, but I believe that both she and the children are entitled to his benefit. She can collect up to 75% and the children can as well until a certain age (18 maybe). I would have her call the social security office as soon as possible. They sometimes base the amount based on when you apply not date of death.

Message edited 12/29/2015 10:27:58 AM.

Re: Question about SS death benefits.

They will get a monthly family benefit now until the youngest reaches the age of 18 and then I think she can collect at the time her husband would be entitled or collect on her own at age of retirement.

Re: Question about SS death benefits.

my DH and his sister collected until they were 18 after their dad passed. Dh was 16 and his sister was 13. Im pretty sure my MIL did get something, but it wasnt until a while later b/c she didnt know she was entitled. so she got some retroactive thing.

MIL has never remarried and is now retired so she is entitled to his SS. She now collects a larger portion of SS from their dad for a certain amount of time, and then will begin collecting hers alone at some point. which is a lower amount b/c she made less.

ETA: if your friend remarries at some point, then I dont think she is entitled to any of his SS.

Message edited 12/29/2015 3:24:47 PM.

Question about SS death benefits.

She needs to call SS and make an appointment to meet with them. They are very helpful. Children can receive a benefit up to age 18. There is a spousal benefit but it is reduced by your wages, basically if she works she won't qualify for it until she retires or until his normal retirement age.
It's very hard emotionally to get all through the business side of death. You're a great friend for helping her.

Re: Question about SS death benefits.

I am getting my late husbands and my 6 year old gets it too.. Call and make an appointment, they are easy to deal with..

Re: Question about SS death benefits.

My dad died when I was 15. I received benefits until the month I graduated high school (I turned 18 the February before). I can't remember if my Mom received anything back then (30+ years ago). She has now since retired and receives a higher amount because my Dad's benefit has been added to hers. My Mom wasn't aware she was entitled to the extra money until she went to SS when she was about to retire.

Your girlfriend should go to SS and discuss the options with them.

Re: Question about SS death benefits.

My father died when I was 11 and my mom received SSI death benefits till I was 18 or graduated HS, whichever came first (I gradated at 17 so it ended then).

My mother was able to collect my dad's SS at HER retirement age.