Who Is Entitled To Death Benefits In Social Security

Social Security death benefits are payments that can be made to qualified family members of a deceased worker. They are separate from the survivors’ benefits that are made to family members who are still living. Social Security death benefits are not intended to replace life insurance plans or other savings the family of the deceased may have; they are intended to supplement them.

If the deceased was paying into the Social Security program, their spouse, children or dependent relatives may be entitled to receive Social Security death benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine who is eligible to receive benefits. Generally, a person is qualified to receive Social Security death benefits if they meet the following requirements:

• The deceased was insured under the Social Security Act, which means he or she worked long enough to be entitled to Social Security.

• The applicant is the deceased’s qualifying family member.

• The eligible family member is not re-married (except in some situations).

• The applicant is legally entitled to receive social security benefits as a dependent or survivor.

The amount of the Social Security death benefits may depend on the deceased’s lifetime earnings, the age and relationship of the surviving family member, and the amount of other family income. The maximum amount of Social Security death benefits is based on the deceased’s primary insurance amount and is determined by the Social Security Administration.

There are other circumstances which may affect the eligibility of a surviving family member or the amount of the Social Security death benefits they may qualify to receive. For more information, speak with a representative at the SSA office, or visit the Social Security website.