Social Security Survivor Benefits

If you die, this table shows the approximate monthly benefits payable to your family if you have had a typical earnings history.

• The benefit for your widow(er) at Full Retirement Age (FRA). The FRA for widows(ers) benefits is 65 for persons born before 1940, but rises gradually to 67 for persons born after 1961 (71½% of this amount is payable at age 60) - see (1).
• The benefit for your child; also, widow or widower caring for your child who) is under age 16 or disabled before age 22 - see (2).
• Your family’s maximum benefit - see (3).

TABLE: Aproximate Monthly Benefits

Monthly benefits may be paid to family members after your death if you have worked under Social Security long enough, generally 6 to 40 credits (1'/2 to 10 years of work), depending on your age. Eligible family members include:

• unmarried children under age 18, or 18 if in high school, or who are disabled before age 22,
• spouse (or divorced spouse) caring for your child under age 16 or who is disabled before age 22,
• disabled spouse (or disabled divorced spouse) at age 50,
• spouse (or divorced spouse) age 65 (reduced benefits if claimed at ages 60-64).

Additional Benefits: Life Insurance | Disability | Long Term Care
Social Security Information: Retirement | Disability | Survivor | Medicare