Sooner or later, retired people are going to pass away. When they do, they may leave behind family members who have long counted on the deceased individual’s income for their support, including their Social Security income. After the death of the loved one, Social Security benefits may be available to the surviving spouse or family members.
Possible Recipients of Social Security Benefits After a Death
Once someone dies who was eligible to receive benefits, several people may be able to draw their Social Security retirement benefits. A surviving spouse who is 60 or older can get benefits; or a spouse if they are disabled and 50 or older. The Social Security Administration (SSA) also says that if a surviving spouse is caring for a child of the deceased who is younger than 16, or if the child is disabled and already receiving benefits for children, they also can get survivor’s benefits.Children may also be eligible to receive benefits. They need to be younger than 18 or not older than 19 if they are a full-time student. Disabled children can get the benefits if they have a disability that started before they reached 22.
