Typically most people are aware that spouses and children of a deceased worker can be eligible for Social Security benefits, but parents of a deceased worker can also be eligible for benefits depending on the circumstances. Below is an explanation of how parents of a deceased worker may be eligible for Social Security benefits.
If you are the dependent parent, who is at least age 62, of a worker who dies, you may be eligible to receive Social Security survivors benefits.
You must have been receiving at least half of your support from your working child and you must not be eligible to receive a retirement benefit that is higher than the benefit we could pay on your child’s record. Generally, you must not have married after your deceased adult child’s death; however, there are some exceptions.
Besides being the natural parent, you could also be the step-parent, or the adoptive parent if you became the deceased worker’s parent before he or she was age 16.
Benefit Amount Explanation
Your survivors benefit amount is based on the earnings of the person who died. The more they paid into Social Security, the higher your benefits would be. The monthly amount you would get is a percentage of the deceased’s basic Social Security benefit. It depends on your age and the type of benefit you are eligible to receive. If the person who died was receiving reduced benefits, we base your survivors benefit on that amount.
These are examples of the benefits that survivors may receive:
- Widow or widower, full retirement age or older — 100 percent of the deceased worker’s benefit amount;
- Widow or widower, age 60 — full retirement age — 71½ to 99 percent of the deceased worker’s basic amount;
- Disabled widow or widower aged 50 through 59 — 71½ percent;
- Widow or widower, any age, caring for a child under age 16 — 75 percent;
- A child under age 18 (19 if still in elementary or secondary school) or disabled — 75 percent; and
- Dependent parent(s) of the deceased worker, age 62 or older:
*One surviving parent — 82½ percent.
*Two surviving parents — 75 percent to each parent.
Percentages for a surviving divorced spouse would be the same as above. There may also be a special lump-sum death benefit.
Maximum Family Amounts
There’s a limit to the amount that family members can receive each month. The limit varies, but it is generally equal to between 150 and 180 percent of the basic benefit rate. If the sum of the benefits payable to family members is greater than this limit, the benefits will be reduced proportionately. (Any benefits paid to a surviving divorced spouse based on disability or age won’t count toward this maximum amount.)
Important Things To Remember
There are limits on how much survivors may earn while they receive benefits. Benefits for a widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse may be affected by several additional factors:
- If you remarry before you reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled), you cannot receive benefits as a surviving spouse while you are married.
- If you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled), you will continue to qualify for benefits on your deceased spouse’s Social Security record.
- If you receive benefits as a widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. This assumes you are eligible for retirement benefits and your retirement rate is higher than your rate as a widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse.
- In many cases, a widow or widower can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate and then, at full retirement age, switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate.
- If you will also receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security, such as government or foreign work, your Social Security benefits as a survivor may be affected.
