Survivor Benefits
Who can receive Survivors Benefits?
Certain members of your family may be eligible for benefits on your Social security record if you earned enough credits while you were working. Family members who can collect benefits include:

· A widow or widower who is 60 or older;
· A widow or widower who is 50 or older and disabled;
· A widow or widower of any age if she or he is caring for a child under the age of 16 or a disabled child who is receiving Social Security Benefits.

· Children if they are unmarried and under the age of 18; Under the age of 19, but in an elementary or secondary school as a full-time student; or Age 18 or older and severely disabled (the disability must have started before age 22); and your parents, if they were dependent on you for at least half of their support.

Special One-Time Death Benefits
If you had enough credits, a special one-time payment of $255 can be paid after your death. This benefit is paid only to your widow(er) or minor children.

How much will your survivors get?
Your survivors receive a percentage of your basic Social Security Benefit- Usually in the range from 75 to 100 percent each. However, there is a limit to the amount of money that can be paid each month to a family. The limit varies, but is generally equal to about 150 to 180 percent of your benefit rate. If the sum of the benefits payable to your surviving family members is greater than this limit, the benefits to your family will be reduced proportionately.

Benefits to Divorced Widows and Widowers:
If you are divorced (Even if you have remarried), your ex-spouse will be eligible for benefits on your record when you die. In order to qualify, your ex-spouse must:

· Be at least 60 yrs. Old (Or 50 if disabled) and have been married to you for at least 10 years.
· Be any age if caring for a child who is eligible for benefits on your record.
· Not be eligible for an equal or higher benefit on his/her own record; and
· Not be currently married, unless the remarriage occurred after age 60--or 50 for disabled widows.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this page and all pages is for informational purposes only. Each state, county and region has its own laws, rules and regulations and your individual state agencies should be consulted before making any decisions. These options presented on this website's pages are available through Advanced Funeral Planning in and for the State of Connecticut and may not be available to and for all states. Advanced Funeral Planning, LLC accepts no liability for any arrangements that are made between you and your funeral home.