When someone who has worked and paid into Social Security dies, survivor benefits can be paid to certain family members. These are ongoing monthly benefits based on the deceased's work record that continue as long as eligibility requirements are met. Another kind of survivor benefit, the Lump Sum Death Benefit, is a one-time payment.

Who Gets What…
Widow/Widower Benefit:
Full benefits for a widow/widower age 65 or older.
Reduced benefits for widow/widower as early as 60.
Reduced benefits for disabled widow/widower age 50-60.

Mother/Father Benefit:
A benefit for a widow/widower any age caring for deceased's child under age 16 or disabled.

Unmarried Child Benefit:
A deceased's child under 18 (or possibly 19).
A disabled child any age if disabled before age 22 and continuing.
Under certain circumstances, stepchildren and grandchildren.

Dependent Parent Benefit:
Parents of the deceased age 62 or older meeting ½ support.

Divorced Spouse Benefit:
If married for 10 years or more, same as widow/widower benefit. If the divorced spouse is caring for a child of the deceased who is under age 16 or disabled, the length-of-marriage rule does not have to be met.

Lump Sum Death Payment:
One-time payment to a surviving spouse or certain children. Survivor benefits are no longer available upon a remarriage. However, remarriage after age 60 (50 if disabled) will not stop benefit payments on the former deceased's spouse's records.

and How Much?
The amount of the monthly survivor benefit is based on the earnings of the person who died. The benefit is actually a percentage of the deceased's basic Social Security benefit. Widow/Widower Age 65 or Older: 100%
Widow/Widower Age 60-64: Approximately 71%-94%
Widow Any Age with A Child under Age 16: 75%
Children: 75%
Lump Sum Death Payment: $255
For more information on survivor benefits, call (800) 772-1213, check the Social Security website at http://www.ssa.gov or contact your local Social Security office.