Social security death benefits can provide cash assistance payments to qualifying individuals upon the death of a relative. These payments differ in nature and depend on several factors, including the amount paid in to social security over time and the relation of the individual. As with other types of government programs, there are certain criteria that must be met to become eligible.
Individuals that May Qualify
Death benefits from social security are usually paid either to the spouse or to the dependent of the deceased. If the dependent is a minor or disabled child, the benefit may also be paid to the guardian. Other exceptions are for dependent parents that receive at least half of their financial support from the deceased adult child and in some cases, grandchildren may even qualify for compensation. Decisions about special circumstances are handled on a case-by-case basis
Factors Affecting Eligibility
Social security death benefits for widows and other qualifying individuals may be affected by a variety of factors. This may include the survivor’s current income, age and marital status. Remarrying before the age of 60, a dependent turning of age that is no longer in school that has no disability and income from personal pension and employment can play a role in eligibility. The marriage of a child, even if he or she is in school or disabled may also affect this. In some cases, these situations can decrease or altogether eliminate these benefits.
Amount of Benefits
Although the one time death benefit is set at a pre-fixed rate of $255, other death benefits payable by the Social Security Administration (SSA) are not. The amount of benefits received will depend on the number of years worked and the amount of the lifetime earnings. The more that is earned, the more compensation the family is entitled to. However, there is a limit per family on amounts that can be received. This varies by the individual circumstance but typically no more than one hundred fifty percent of the deceased benefit can be paid on a monthly basis.
Other Considerations
One must apply to receive any of these benefits and supply appropriate documentation. This may include but is not limited to the death certificate of the relative, birth certificates of living children, a marriage license and other information used for identifying purposes. All copies of these documents either must be the original or certified. However, the application process should be started as soon as possible, with or without the documents as social security death benefits are payable only from the time of application.
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