{"id":353888,"date":"2015-01-22T15:20:46","date_gmt":"2015-01-22T20:20:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/basics\/social-security-survivor-benefits-overview.html"},"modified":"2026-03-11T11:06:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T16:06:17","slug":"social-security-survivor-benefits-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/basics\/social-security-survivor-benefits-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Social Security Survivor Benefits for Spouses and Family Members"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Social Security Survivor Benefits for Spouses and Family Members<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Social Security <\/span>Survivor Benefits<\/span> provide critical financial support to the spouse or family of a deceased worker<\/span>. Eligibility<\/span> depends on the relationship to the deceased and the survivor\u2019s age and circumstances. The benefit amount<\/span> depends on the deceased\u2019s earnings history and contributions.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Losing a loved one<\/span> is devastating. While going through the process of grief, it\u2019s common to worry about the financial concerns of how to support yourself and your family, particularly if you lost the wage earner of the family.<\/p>\n

During these difficult times, the Social Security system provides aid to the families of workers who have passed away. The Social Security <\/span>survivor benefits<\/span> can provide financial support to families left behind.<\/p>\n

If you need personalized guidance on how to claim your survivor benefits<\/span>, contact a Social Security attorney<\/a>. They can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.<\/p>\n

What Are Survivor Benefits<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Survivor benefits<\/span> are payments from the Social Security Administration<\/span> (SSA<\/span>) after the death of a worker<\/a>. They are sometimes referred to as \u201cdeath benefits<\/span>\u201d or \u201cwidow\u2019s benefits<\/span>.\u201d The SSA<\/span> designed survivor benefits<\/span> to protect the families of workers against loss of income in the case of a worker\u2019s untimely death.<\/p>\n

When a worker dies, their family often faces immediate financial uncertainty. Social Security <\/span>survivor benefits<\/span> can provide crucial income support during this difficult time. Understanding your eligibility<\/span> and benefit amounts<\/span> is essential to protecting your family\u2019s financial security.<\/p>\n

The Lump-Sum<\/span> Death Payment<\/h3>\n

In addition to monthly survivor benefits<\/span>,\u00a0Social Security provides a one-time lump-sum<\/span> death benefit<\/span><\/a> of $255 to eligible survivors. This payment, often referred to as a burial benefit, can help cover immediate expenses following a death.<\/p>\n

The lump-sum<\/span> payment is available to a surviving spouse<\/span> who was living with the deceased at the time of death. If the spouse was living apart but receiving Social Security benefits based on the deceased\u2019s record, they may still qualify. If there is no surviving spouse<\/span>, SSA<\/span> can make the payment to eligible children who are receiving monthly benefits<\/span> on the deceased\u2019s record.<\/p>\n

While you can only receive the lump-sum<\/span> death payment once for a loss, survivor benefits<\/span> are recurring. Survivor benefits<\/span> provide monthly payments<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Who Is Eligible for Social Security <\/span>Survivor Benefits<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Family members<\/span> who may be eligible to receive monthly Social Security <\/span>survivor benefits<\/span> include:<\/p>\n