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The Social Security Act provides for the payment of survivor's
benefits to certain relatives if they fall into one of the following
categories:
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Widow(er) age 60 or older.
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Widow (er) at any age caring for the deceased children under age
16 or disabled.
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Widow (er) or divorced spouse age 50 or older if disabled.
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Children up to age 18 or under age 19 if in high school full
time.
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Children over age 18, if they became disabled prior to age 22.
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Parents of the deceased age 62 or older, if supported by the
deceased.
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Divorced spouse of the deceased age 60 or older married 10 years
or more.
In addition to the monthly benefits, a special one-time payment of
$255 can be paid to a spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of
death, or if there is none, to a spouse or a child/children who is eligible for
benefits.
Within 30 days from the date of death, you should receive a letter
from Social Security. This letter will provide further instruction concerning
applying for entitled benefits. You can apply for benefits by phone or at any
Social Security office.
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, any checks
which arrive after the death must be returned. If benefit checks were being
directly deposited, then the bank would also need to be notified.
For specific questions concerning eligibility claims and benefits
please contact the Harris Funeral Home.
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