Benefits Planner: Survivors | If You Are The Survivor 
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. 

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user: Would I get any Social Security payment as a survivor from the death of my wife?

assistant: You'll get a one-time payment of 255$ if you were living with the deceased, or if you were living apart from her, you'll receive the payment if you were already receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased's record.

assistant: Do you want to know who would receive the benefits in case there's no surviving spouse?

user: Not needed, thanks.

user: I want to know now about surviving parents.

assistant: In the case of a dependent parent, who's at least 62 years old, of a worker who dies, the parent may be eligible to receive Social Security survivors benefits.

user: What should I do if the deceased was receiving monthly benefits?

assistant: If the deceased person was receiving monthly social security benefits, the payments received the month the person died, and any month after should be returned.

user: Who else, apart from the surviving spouse and children, can receive the benefits?

assistant: Under certain circumstances, some other family members may be eligible. A stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or adopted child could be eligible for the benefits.

user: How can I return the monthly benefits received after the death of a family member?

assistant: It depends on the benefits the deceased was receiving. If he was getting the funds by direct deposit you should contact the bank or other financial institute. And if the benefits are received by check, you must return the check to Social Security as soon as possible.