Rivky Posner is CFO of Hamodia and Binah Magazine. She is chairman of the Legally Links Social Security Division.
Shira Nabatian is a community organizer within the Jewish community. She is a member of the Legally Links Social Security Division.
Note: The responses below pertain to Social Security survivors benefits. These are not to be confused with Social Security retirement benefits, which are available to retired individuals age 62 and above. Survivors benefits are for individuals who lost a loved one and, based on factors indicated below, are eligible for this benefit.
Widows and widowers, sometimes ex-spouses, children under 18, disabled children, and dependent parents of a deceased individual who was working and paying social security taxes.
It’s important to file as soon as possible after the loved one’s death as you will only receive payments from the time you file for benefits. Social Security does not provide benefits retroactively from the date of death.
Payments vary based on the amount your loved one was earning. The more the individual was paying into Social Security, the more benefits you will receive.
Generally, payments are only made while the deceased’s children are under 18 (unless there is a disability involved). They may resume again when the deceased’s spouse reaches retirement age.
Generally, the deceased must have paid into Social Security for a minimum of 10 years. However, actual benefits vary based on how old the deceased was at the time of death.
You may still be eligible to receive benefits. Social Security has special rules to provide benefits for the family and spouse of those who died young, which will be determined when applying for benefits.
Legally Links is available to be on the phone with you for the application to Social Security, if you so desire.
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