Just as you plan for your family's protection if you die , you should consider the Social Security benefits that may be available if you are the survivor that is, the spouse, child, or parent of a worker who dies. That person must have worked long enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits. 

How Your Spouse Earns Social Security Survivors Benefits 
A worker can earn up to four credits each year. In 2019 , for example , your spouse can earn one credit for each $1,360 of wages or self - employment income. When your spouse has earned $5,440 , they have earned their four credits for the year. The number of credits needed to provide benefits for survivors depends on the worker's age when they die. No one needs more than 40 credits 10 years of work to be eligible for any Social Security benefit. But , the younger a person is , the fewer credits they must have for family members to receive survivors benefits. Benefits can be paid to the worker's children and the surviving spouse who is caring for the children even if the worker doesn't have the required number of credits. They can get benefits if the worker has credit for one and one - half years of work 6 credits in the three years just before their death. Each person s situation is different and you need to talk to a Social Security claims representative about your choices. 

When A Family Member Dies 
We should be notified as soon as possible when a person dies. However , you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits , call 1 - 800 - 772 - 1213 TTY 1 - 800 - 325 - 0778. You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required , but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone. 

Does Social Security pay death benefits? 
A one - time payment of $255 can be paid to

user: Hello there. The other day I was thinking in the future, and was asking about possible benefits my spouse could get, like survivor. Could you help me there?

assistant: Well, she can get those benefits earning credits, up to four each year. Those are credited for each $1,360 of wages or self-employment income.

user: I see. Ad how much she would have to earn to get those four credits?

assistant: She would have to earn $5,440 to be credited with those four credits. That should repeat each year.

user: O.k, got it, thanks for that. I heard other family members could be eligible for this kind of benefits, could you tell me which ones?

assistant: Do you have a stepchild, grandchild, step grandchild or adopted child?

user: Yes, I have a grandchild.

assistant: Do you have any of your parents still alive?

user: No, they're not.

assistant: Obviously, those can't get any benefit, as you may already guessed.

user: Yeah, I know, don't worry. Going back to my spouse's credits. How many credit will need to get the benefits?

assistant: That would depend on worker's age when it dies. For social Security benefits, it won't be necessary more than 40 credits or 10 years of work to be eligible.