What happens if both spouses are receiving Social Security benefits and one passes away?
There are many couples where both spouses receive Social Security benefits. What happens to those benefits when one of them passes away? The first thing to do is call or go to your local Social Security office and let them know the beneficiary has passed away. If any benefits have been received for that beneficiary in the month they passed, that money will need to be returned to Social Security, as well as any further benefits received on behalf of the decreased beneficiary. This information cannot be provided to Social Security online.
Once Social Security has received notice of the beneficiary’s passing, the surviving spouse can work with them to see what benefits they are eligible for. There are many ins and outs to determining what benefits a surviving spouse is eligible for.
A surviving spouse cannot receive their benefits and their spouse’s benefits at the same time. If the surviving spouse is already receiving Social Security benefits, they can apply for survivor benefits. Social Security will pay the higher of the two benefits. However, a surviving spouse must apply for survivor benefits to see if they are eligible.
Survivor benefits are based on the earnings and the age of the deceased worker. A deceased worker, as of 2024, would earn one credit per $1,730 earned in wages or self-employment, up to four (4) credits in a year. A worker needs to earn 40 credits (10 years of work) to qualify for benefits. Therefore, the younger the worker, the fewer credits needed to qualify for survivor benefits.
Additionally, survivor benefits are also based on the age of the surviving spouse. If the surviving spouse is at full retirement age or older, then they are eligible for 100% of the decreased worker’s benefits. If the survivor is 60 years old and up to full retirement age, the survivor receives 71/5$-99% of the benefits. If the surviving spouse has a disability and is age 50 to 59, they will receive 71.5% of the worker’s benefits.
As with most cases before the Social Security Administration, nothing is straight forward. It is always best to make an appointment with a Social Security claims worker to make sure any required documents and applications are completed.
References: Ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyou.html#
ABOUT WAYLA TODD:
I have a broad background with a Master’s degree from George Washington University in Paralegal Studies and worked in the legal field doing Social Security Disability and Personal injury for 22 years. Currently I live in Berea, Kentucky with my wonderful family and am the Administrative Assistant for the Nursing Department at Berea College.
I know how hard it is to be a Caregiver and to have to manage the different forms and processes for Social Security Disability among other things. Thankfully from my career choice I was able to navigate these things for my Mom when she became ill, but I know many people have trouble and need help to understand the process. As part of my Caregiving journey for my Mom I did a lot of her personal care and also managed her financial affairs.
I know first hand how to navigate the different account issues that come up as you are taking over finances from your Loved One and the many hurdles that come up while you are making all the changes. After she died I was the executor and once again, I learned how to close and move accounts, finding the right paperwork to process and finalize her estate.
Like Lili, I am grateful if I can share the information I gathered during my journey with my Mom and am very pleased if I can help save others the time and headaches of trial and error on the financial and legal aspects of supporting their Loved One’s through illness and final transition.