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: Hi, Could you please explain to me how my spouse can earn Social Security benefits if I die?

assistant: A worker can earn up to four credits each year. As an example, in 2019 your spouse can earn one credit for each $1,360 of wages or self-employment income.

assistant: Can you tell me is your spouse has earned $5,440 in a year?

user: Yes my spouse earned $5,440.

assistant: If that is so then your spouse has earned her/his four credits for the year.

user: Can you please explain how my spouse earns Social Security Survivors Benefits?

assistant: 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, that is 10 years of work to be eligible for any Social Security benefit.

user: What is the maximum amount a family is entitled to receive?

assistant: The limit varies but it is generally between 150 to 180 percent of the basic benefit rate. If the sum of benefits payable to family members is greater than this limit the benefits will be reduced proportionately.

user: What additional factors can affect a widow's benefits?

assistant: There are several factor that can affect widow/widower's benefits. One of these is if they remarry before they reach the age of 60.