Social Security Survivor Benefits
The federal government has specific rules regarding who can collect Social Security survivor benefits.
Unless the death was accidental, the couple must have been married for 9 months and the survivor must be at least 60 years of age (50 if disabled) to collect benefits. The benefits range from 71.5% to 99% of the deceased worker’s basic amount. The survivor’s benefits are the greater of the benefits that would be due to the decedent or the benefits the surviving spouse would be entitled to, based on their own work history. Other survivor benefits:
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Disabled widow or widower aged 50 through 59 -- 71½ percent;
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Widow or widower, any age, caring for a child under age 16 -- 75 percent.
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A child under age 18 (19 if still in elementary or secondary school) or disabled -- 75 percent. (Note: the benefits are taxable to the child on the child’s tax return., But like any single individual the child’s MAGI would have to exceed the $25,000 threshold before any of the SS is taxable.)
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Dependent parent(s) of the deceased worker, age 62 or older:
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One surviving parent --82½ percent.
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Two surviving parents --75 percent to each parent.
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