Frequently Asked Questions About Family Benefits

The rules around Social Security can be confusing, and it’s common to have specific questions about your unique situation. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about survivor and family benefits.

Can I receive my own Social Security retirement benefit and a survivor benefit at the same time?

This is a common point of confusion. The answer is no, you cannot receive two full benefits simultaneously. However, you will get the higher of the two amounts. If your own retirement benefit is higher than the survivor benefit you are eligible for, you will simply receive your own benefit. If the survivor benefit is higher, the SSA will pay your retirement benefit first and then add enough from the survivor benefit to bring you up to the higher amount. You will receive a single, combined payment each month.

What is the lump-sum death payment?

The Social Security Administration provides a one-time, lump-sum death payment of $255. This payment can be made to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death. If there is no surviving spouse, the payment can be made to a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record. While the amount has not been updated in many years, it is intended to help with immediate expenses following a death.

I was married for 12 years and got divorced. Can I claim survivor benefits on my ex-spouse’s record?

Yes, you likely can. Because your marriage lasted longer than the 10-year requirement, you are eligible to apply for survivor benefits on your ex-spouse’s record once they pass away. Your eligibility is subject to the same age and remarriage rules as a widow or widower. That is, you must be at least 60 (or 50 if disabled) and generally must not have remarried before that age.

What happens to my survivor benefits if I remarry at age 62?

If you remarry after reaching age 60 (or age 50 if you are disabled), your remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivor benefits. You can get married and continue to receive the monthly benefit from your deceased spouse or ex-spouse. This rule allows seniors to make personal decisions about companionship and marriage without facing a financial penalty.

My spouse passed away before they could start collecting Social Security. Am I still eligible for survivor benefits?

Yes. Survivor benefits are based on your deceased spouse’s earnings record, not on whether they had already filed for or started receiving benefits. As long as they worked long enough to qualify for Social Security (typically 10 years of work), you can be eligible for survivor benefits based on the amount they would have been entitled to receive at their full retirement age.

How do survivor benefits affect other assistance programs like SNAP or LIHEAP?

This is a very important question. Social Security benefits, including survivor benefits, are considered income. When you apply for family-based assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for utility bills, you must report your household income. This term refers to the total income of all members of your household. Your Social Security survivor benefits will be counted as part of this income. An increase in your income from receiving survivor benefits could potentially make you ineligible for some programs or reduce the amount of assistance you receive. It is crucial to report your income accurately to these agencies to ensure you are receiving the correct benefits.