Social Security benefits are in general for those who have paid taxes while they worked. In this way, those workers could claim a benefit when they either retire or are unable to work any longer due to an illness or disability. Once you receive a Social Security payment the unfortunate event of death could take place. In this case, you might be able to pass it on to a dependent.
Survivors benefits are a real possibility that allows some family members to get by in a difficult financial situation. Therefore, it could be a surviving child or spouse the ones who take advantage of this necessary benefit. Sometimes, although it may be unlikely, parents who are dependent could be eligible for survivors benefits. So paying Social Security will pay off in a terrible event like a passing.
Bear in mind that there are some special requirements to claim survivors benefits to Social Security. The worker who died must have worked for a number of years to qualify and get it. When there is no one to claim this benefit, like a parent, child, or spouse, these benefits come to an end. Do not forget to inform Social Security when a family member dies.
Can the funeral home report someone’s death to Social Security?
In most cases, it is the funeral home the one in charge of informing Social Security. Anyway, make sure they do that. Otherwise, you would have to give back any payment that the defunct received and to which you are not entitled. It will be the Funeral Director the person who will have to hand in the Statement of Death to SSA. If it were necessary for you to report a death by phone you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Having sorted out the previous step, you can only apply for survivors benefits by phoning the aforementioned number. It is not possible to claim it on the SSA webpage. According to Social Security, if you would like to apply for a disability benefit but as a survivor, there is a shortcut. You could save time by filling in the form Adult Disability Report.
Then, once you have got your appointment you will have it ready. Social Security uses the same definition regarding disability when it refers to workers and widows or widowers. Besides, if you decide to get married again after the age of 60 -or 50 if you happen to have a disability, this does not matter. You could still get survivors benefits. There are many widows and widowers who wonder whether this is possible or not. Anyway, SSA agents can sort out any of your doubts.