Handling Social Security Benefits After the Death of Beneficiary

If somebody is no longer able to work or becomes disabled, a social security benefit can provide him a steady income. A social security beneficiary is a person who receives social security. In case this beneficiary dies, some steps have to be taken to transfer the payment to an eligible survivor or cancel the benefits. In this scenario, people usually Google “professional estate lawyer Cornwall” to find a reliable advocate.

Report Death of the Social Security Beneficiary

If a social security beneficiary dies, the social security administration would continue sending the monthly benefits till the time the death is reported. For instance, if you share a bank account with your husband/wife and they die, the social security benefits would be deposited to that shared account automatically. This will happen till you notify the Social Security Administration.

Usually, the SSA is notified by the funeral home that is handling the arrangements of that beneficiary. If not, you can notify the SSA yourself. Remember that this information cannot be passed online.

Benefits of a Social Security Survivor

Payments are made to the eligible survivor if the beneficiary is deceased. An eligible survivor can include –

· Widow or widower older than 60 years (50 in case of a disabled person)

· Widow or widower, if the person is taking care of the deceased’s child (under 16 years or disabled)

· Divorced survivor under specific circumstances

· Unmarried kids who are under the age of 18 (younger than 18 in case of disability)

· Adopted, stepchildren, step-grandchildren, grandchildren

· Parents older than 62 years who used to depend on the deceased for financial support

The payments are done on a monthly basis depending on the amount received by the deceased beneficiary. It also depends on the relationship between the survivor and beneficiary.

In case you are remarried before the age of 60, you would not be eligible to receive the survivor benefits. Although, you can continue receiving the benefits in case you remarry after 60 years (depending on the social security record of your deceased spouse).

How to Maximize the Benefits?

Surviving spouses can go for their own retirement benefits that start at the age of 62 years. If your retirement benefit is more than the one you are receiving as a surviving spouse, only then go for it. If you take the retirement benefits at 62, it reduces the benefit amount. on the other hand, taking up benefits after 70 can increase them.

If you are working while receiving survivor benefits, the amount may get affected. In case you have not reached the retirement age, the benefit amount may be reduced.

Application for Social Security Survivor Benefit

If you are eligible for the social security survivor benefit due to the demise of the beneficiary, follow the steps to apply for the same.

Report the death to the Social Security Administrator in case the funeral home has not done it. Once you have reported the death, you can start with the application process.

The documents required for application of social security survivor include –

· Proof of the death of the beneficiary (death certificate)

· Your proof of birth (e.g., birth certificate)

· Citizenship proof

· Marriage proof

· Birth certificates of the children for whom you are claiming these benefits

· Tax returns and W-2s for the deceased beneficiary

· Divorce decree in case you have applied as a divorced surviving spouse

The social security administration is responsible for asking questions to determine your eligibility for the social security survivor benefits. The questions would include name, address, date of birth, work, and earning history. The administration would also ask the work and earnings history, military history, and disability history of the deceased beneficiary. All these answers would help process your benefit application.

One of the most crucial things to remember while handling social security is when the beneficiary dies, the delay becomes costly. In case you wait for the death report and receive benefits in the meantime, you may face serious legal consequences. Also, if you want a long time to apply for the benefits, you have to wait long to receive them as well.

Conclusion

Hire a legal advisor and start maximizing your social security survivor benefits. If you take the right steps at the right time, you will not have to face any problem. Looking for an advisor? Langevin Law LLP is where you will find the best real estate lawyer Cornwall has seen. Come seek legal help, we are happy to serve you.

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Created on Jan 27th 2021 04:39. Viewed 302 times.

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