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: I need to inquire how much earnings does it require for a spouse to have earned to earn their four credits in a calendar year? 

assistant: A spouse has earned their four credits for the year when they have reached $5,440. 

assistant: Has your spouse earned $5,440 within this calendar year? 

user: My spouse has not yet reached that amount in earnings, no. 

user: What should I do about benefits considering my spouse has just passed away? 

assistant: You must return this month's benefits and any benefits you may receive in your spouse's name next month. 

user: Does having a small child affect my ability to keep my deceased spouse's benefits? 

assistant: If the child is your spouse's naturally or legally adopted child, you would not have to meet the length-of-marriage rule. 

user: If I am 52 and disabled will I continue to qualify for benefits after my spouse has passed away? 

assistant: You will be able to continue to qualify for benefits, but there may be limits on how much you may earn while receiving these benefits. 

user: What other family members may also be eligible after a person receiving benefits passes away? 

assistant: Are there any unmarried children under 18 or up to age 19 that were still attending school full time?