Social Security survivor benefits: what you're entitled to

When someone who paid into Social Security dies, their family members may be entitled to monthly survivor benefits. These are separate from any life insurance and are often larger than people expect. If you'd rather have a plan built around your situation, answer a few questions and we'll put one together →

Who qualifies

• Widow or widower: aged 60 or over (or 50 if disabled). At any age if you are caring for the deceased's child who is under 16 or disabled.
• Divorced spouse: if you were married for at least 10 years and have not remarried before age 60.
• Children: under 18, or under 19 if still in high school full-time. At any age if they became disabled before age 22.
• Dependent parents: aged 62 or over if they relied on the deceased for at least half their support.

What you can receive

Lump sum death payment

A one-time payment of $255 is available to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased, or to a surviving child if there is no qualifying spouse. This amount has not changed since 1954 and covers very little toward funeral costs.

Monthly survivor benefits

The monthly amount depends on the deceased's earnings record and your relationship. As a general guide:

• Widow or widower at full retirement age: up to 100% of the deceased's benefit
• Widow or widower aged 60 to full retirement age: 71.5% to 99%
• Widow or widower aged 50–59 with a disability: 71.5%
• Caring for the deceased's child under 16: 75%
• Each eligible child: 75%
• Each dependent parent: 82.5% (75% each if both parents qualify)

There is a family maximum — the total paid to all survivors from one worker's record is capped, typically between 150% and 180% of the worker's benefit.

Benefit amounts increase each January with the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The COLA for 2026 was 2.8%. Verify current figures at ssa.gov.

If you receive a government or public sector pension

Until January 2025, the Government Pension Offset (GPO) significantly reduced or eliminated Social Security survivor benefits for anyone receiving a pension from a government job not covered by Social Security — such as some teachers, police officers, firefighters, and federal employees. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) similarly reduced their own retirement benefits.

Both rules were repealed on 5 January 2025 when President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law.

• Survivor benefits previously reduced or eliminated by the GPO are now payable in full
• The SSA recalculated affected payments from February 2025, with retroactive back-payments to January 2024
• If you previously gave up on applying because of the GPO, it is worth contacting SSA now — you may be entitled to benefits you were not receiving

How to apply

You cannot apply for survivor benefits online. You must either call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. Call as soon as possible after the death — benefits are not automatically backdated beyond a limited window.

What to bring or have ready

• Proof of death — a death certificate or funeral home's statement
• Your Social Security number and the deceased's Social Security number
• Your birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (and divorce decree if applicable)
• The deceased's most recent W-2 or self-employment tax return
• Bank account details for direct deposit

If the deceased was receiving benefits

Any Social Security payment deposited for the month of death must be returned — SSA will reclaim it. Notify the bank immediately if the deceased received direct deposit, and do not spend the funds. SSA will contact you about repayment if needed.