Those who have recently lost a family member may be eligible for survivor benefits from Social Security.  There are a number of criteria – mainly based on age, disability status, and relation with the deceased individual – which determine eligibility.  Generally, though, the deceased person must have worked and paid enough in Social Security taxes for benefits to be distributed.  The Social Security Administration’s Public Affairs Specialist Jack Myers says the agency’s website, www.ssa.gov, also lays out this information with respect to relatives who are still around. 

Myers adds that the would-be beneficiary’s income must be under a specific threshold – which currently is $24,480 per year – to receive the full benefits under this system. 

The children of a parent who has died can receive survivor benefits until they reach the age cap, which in most cases is 18 years. 

The one other scenario for receiving monthly benefits in this form involves parents dependent on a child of theirs for support.  If a child who provided at least a half of the parents’ support were to die, the parents may be eligible for survivor benefits.

There is also a one-time lump sum death payment of $255 available.  This is generally only available to the surviving spouse. 

As for how to apply for these benefits, the process for the monthly payments must generally be completed at a Social Security field office and cannot be done online.  The lump sum payment application, however, is available at www.ssa.gov/apply. 

More information on the Social Security Administration and these benefits is available at www.ssa.gov.

Jack Myers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.