Survivor Benefits: Social Security Benefits After a Death
Survivor benefits are monthly Social Security payments made to certain family members of a worker who has died. They are paid by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the SSA asks for vital records to prove the death and the family relationship.
What vital record do you need?
Choose your certificate to start your order.
Who can be eligible
The SSA lists these family members:
- Surviving spouses. Reduced benefits can start at 60, or at 50 with a disability. A spouse caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child receiving benefits can receive benefits at any age.
- Surviving divorced spouses. Generally eligible at 60 or older if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
- Children. Unmarried children under 18, or up to 19 if in full-time elementary or secondary school. Children disabled before 22 can qualify at any age.
- Dependent parents. Parents age 62 or older whom the worker supported with at least half of their support.
Work requirements depend on the worker's age at death.
Records the SSA asks for
- Proof of death, either a funeral home record or a death certificate
- Your Social Security number and the worker's number
- Your birth certificate
- A marriage certificate for surviving spouses, or divorce papers for surviving divorced spouses
- Birth certificates for dependent children
- The worker's most recent W-2 or self-employment tax return
- Bank details for direct deposit
Documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. The SSA advises applying promptly, even without every document, because some benefits are paid from the date of application.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a death certificate to apply?
The SSA lists proof of death as a funeral home record or a death certificate.
Do I need a certified marriage certificate?
For surviving spouses, the SSA asks for a marriage certificate. Documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
Should I wait until I have every document?
No. The SSA says to apply promptly, because some benefits are paid from the date of application.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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