Social Security Benefits

Eligibility

The deceased worker must have credit for work covered by Social Security ranging from 1 1/2 to 10 years depending on his or her age at death in order to receive monthly benefits. Those eligible for monthly benefits include:

• A widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled
• A divorced widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) if the marriage lasted 10 years or if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled
• Unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school full-time)
• Children who were disabled before reaching 22 as long as they remained disabled
• Dependent parent or parents 62 or older

Lump-Sum Death Payment

Applying for Social Security Benefits

You must apply in order to receive benefits. You may apply at any Social Security office, by phone at (800) 772-1213, or online at www.ssa.gov.