Social Security Survivor Benefits: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

When a spouse or parent dies, money questions can feel overwhelming at a hard time. Social Security survivor benefits are monthly payments that may help the family a person leaves behind. This guide explains the basics in plain English, based on Social Security’s own pages as of October 2026.

Who May Qualify

Survivor benefits are paid on the work record of the person who died. According to Social Security, these family members may be able to get them:

A widow or widower at full retirement age or older for a full benefit, or as early as 60 for a reduced benefit (50 if disabled).
A surviving spouse of any age who is caring for the deceased worker’s child who is under 16 or disabled and getting benefits.
A surviving divorced spouse at 60 (50 if disabled), if the marriage lasted 10 years or more. The age and 10-year rules do not apply if they are caring for a qualifying child.
Unmarried children under 18, up to 19 if still in grade school or high school full time, or at any age if they became disabled before 22.
Parents 62 or older who depended on the worker for at least half of their support.

In most cases, you must have been married for at least nine months before your spouse died.

How Much It Pays

The amount is a share of the deceased worker’s basic benefit. Social Security lists these general amounts:

100% for a widow or widower at full retirement age or older.
About 71.5% to 99% for a widow or widower between age 60 and full retirement age.
75% for a widow or widower of any age caring for a child under 16.
75% for a child.

There is also a family maximum, usually 150% to 180% of the worker’s benefit. Benefits paid to a former spouse do not count toward it.

If You Already Get Your Own Benefit

You cannot get your own retirement benefit and a full survivor benefit added together. Social Security pays the higher amount. You may be able to take one benefit first and switch later. Social Security’s own example is taking a survivor benefit now and switching to your own retirement benefit at 70 if that would be higher.

If you were already getting spousal benefits, they change to survivor benefits once the death is reported. If you get benefits on your own record, you need to contact Social Security and apply.

Remarriage

If you remarry before 60 (50 if disabled), you generally cannot get survivor benefits on your late spouse’s record. If you remarry at or after that age, your survivor benefit can continue.

The One-Time $255 Payment

Social Security may also pay a one-time death payment of $255 to a qualifying surviving spouse, or to certain children if there is no spouse. It must be requested within two years of the death.

How to Report a Death and Apply

Ask the funeral home if it will report the death to Social Security. Most do.
If not, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have the person’s name, Social Security number, date of birth and date of death ready.
Apply for survivor benefits by phone or at your local office. Social Security says you cannot apply online for these.
Gather documents, such as proof of death, birth and marriage certificates (or divorce papers), the worker’s latest W-2s or tax return, and your bank details for direct deposit. Social Security asks for originals or certified copies.
Apply promptly. Some benefits are paid only from the month you apply.

A Note on Working

If you get survivor benefits before full retirement age and also work, your payments may be reduced if your earnings go over a yearly limit. Our sister site explains how earnings affect Social Security in more detail.

Stay Safe

Sadly, scammers sometimes contact grieving families. Be wary of anyone who reaches out unexpectedly and asks for a fee, gift cards, a wire transfer or crypto to help with benefits. Hang up and call Social Security yourself at its official number before sharing any personal details. Our guide to government impostor scams explains the warning signs.

Every family’s situation is different. Social Security can tell you exactly what you may qualify for. You can also download its free “Survivors Benefits” booklet.