The Social Security Administration offers survivor benefits for breadwinners. These benefits are a form of life insurance, which provides increased financial stability to families who have lost their main source of income. Survivors are family members alive at the time of an earner’s death, but some jurisdictions allow coverage of children born posthumously through IVF. When a wage earner passes away, some members may qualify for survivor’s benefits, such as:
* Widowers and widows -; Depending on age at the time of death, benefits may be partial or full.
* Divorced widowers and widows -; If you are over the age of 60 and your marriage lasted at least a decade, or if you’re under 60 and caring for a child under the age of 16, you can receive benefits.
* Children -; In most cases, children under the age of 18 are eligible, as are those who have a permanent disability that started before age 22. Under limited circumstances, grandchildren, stepchildren and adopted children are eligible.
* Dependent parents -; They must be more than 62, and have received over half of their support from the deceased wage earner. Those remarrying before age 60 will lose survivor’s benefits.
How Much Will I Get?
The amount you receive is dependent upon the number of Social Security credits earned by the deceased. Wage earners can get up to four credits yearly, and most people need forty credits to become eligible for survivor’s benefits. However, younger wage earners need fewer credits. Widowers and widows under retirement age who are working will receive a reduced benefit.
Death Benefits
A Social Security disability attorney in Chicago can help you determine your eligibility for this benefit.
Applying for Survivor’s Benefits
Because benefits start from the day the application is made, rather than the date of death, it is important to file your claim as quickly as possible. When applying for survivor’s benefits, you will need to provide documentation such as a marriage certificate, a death certificate, and SS numbers for the deceased and any beneficiaries. You may want to hire a Social Security disability attorney in Chicago for help getting survivor’s benefits, or to appeal a claim denial. Please contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates online today or by calling 847-299-0008 to schedule a free initial consultation.
