Understanding SSA Benefits (Part 4)

Benefits for Your Family

When you start receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, other family members may also be eligible for payments. For example, benefits can be paid to your spouse if either of the following apply:

• They're age 62 or older.
• They're at any age and caring for your child (the child must be younger than 16 or disabled and entitled to Social Security benefits on your record).

Benefits can also be paid to your unmarried children if any of these apply:

• They're younger than 18.
• They're between 18 and 19 years old, but in elementary or secondary school as full-time students.
• They're age 18 or older and disabled (the disability must have started before age 22).

Under certain circumstances, benefits can also be paid to a stepchild, grandchild, or step-grandchild. If you become the parent of a child after you begin receiving benefits, let Social Security know about the child, so it can decide if the child is eligible for benefits.

How much can family members get?

Each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit that is up to half of your retirement or disability benefit amount. However, there is a limit to the total amount of money that can be paid to you and your family. The limit varies but is generally equal to about 150–180% of your retirement or disability benefit.

If You're Divorced

If you're divorced, your ex-spouse may qualify for benefits on your earnings. In some situations, they may get benefits even if you aren't receiving them. To qualify, a divorced spouse must

• Have been married to you for at least 10 years
• Have been divorced at least 2 years in cases where you have not filed for benefits
• Be at least 62 years old
• Be unmarried
• Depending on the circumstances, not be entitled to or eligible for a benefit on their own work that is equal to or higher than half the full amount on your record

Survivors' Benefits

When you die, your family may be eligible for benefits based on your work. Family members who can collect benefits include a widow or widower who is any of the following:

• 60 or older
• 50 or older and disabled
• Any age and caring for your child who is younger than 16 or disabled and entitled to Social Security benefits on your record

Your children can receive benefits, too, if they're unmarried and any of the following:

• Younger than 18 years old
• Between 18 and 19 years old, but in an elementary or secondary school as full-time students
• Age 18 or older and disabled (The disability must have started before age 22.)

Additionally, your parents can receive benefits on your earnings if they were dependent on you for at least half of their support.

One-Time Payment After Death

If you have enough credits, a one-time payment of $255 also may be made after your death. This benefit may be paid to your spouse or minor children if they meet certain requirements. If an eligible spouse or child is not currently receiving benefits, they must apply for this payment within 2 years of the date of death.

If You're Divorced and Have a Surviving Ex-Spouse

If you're divorced, your ex-spouse may be eligible for survivors' benefits based on your earnings when you die. They must meet one of the following requirements fully:

• They are at least age 60 years old (or 50 if disabled) and have been married to you for at least 10 years.
• Alternatively, they can be any age if they're caring for a child who is eligible for benefits based on your earnings, and
  • Are not entitled to a benefit based on their own work that is equal to or higher than the full insurance amount on your record
  • Are not currently married, unless the remarriage occurred after age 60 or after age 50 if disabled

Benefits paid to an ex-spouse won't affect the benefit rates for other survivors receiving benefits on your earnings record. NOTE: If you're deceased and your ex-spouse remarries after age 60, they may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on either your work or the new spouse's work, whichever is higher.

How much will your survivors get?

Your survivors receive a percentage of your basic Social Security benefit—usually in a range of 75–100% each. However, there is a limit to the amount of money that can be paid each month to a family. The limit varies, but is generally equal to about 150–180% of your benefit rate.