Questions and Answers about Social Security – September
Question: My husband passed away a month ago and I believe I have to file for Lump Sum Death Payment? How much is that?
G. Canciller, Marco Island, Florida
Answer: A surviving spouse or child may receive a special lump-sum death payment of $255 if they meet certain requirements.
Generally, the lump-sum is paid to the surviving spouse who was living in the same household as the worker when they died. If they were living apart, the surviving spouse can still receive the lump-sum if, during the month the worker died, they met one of the following:
· Were already receiving benefits on the worker’s record.
· Became eligible for benefits upon the worker’s death.
If there’s no eligible surviving spouse, the lump-sum can be paid to the worker’s child (or children) if, during the month the worker died, the child met one of the following:
· Was already receiving benefits on the worker’s record.
· Became eligible for benefits upon the worker’s death.
If the eligible surviving spouse or child is not currently receiving benefits, they must apply for this payment within 2 years of the date of death.
Question: I was married for 17 years and got a divorce, my ex-husband passed away and I never remarried. May I receive survivors divorced spouse benefits?
T. O’neil, Lake Park, Florida
Answer: If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who dies, you could get benefits the same as a surviving spouse, provided that your marriage lasted 10 years or more.
Benefits paid to you as a surviving divorced spouse won’t affect the benefit amount for other survivors getting benefits on the worker’s record.
If you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if you have a disability), the remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivors benefits.
Question: My spouse passed away in April and I received a direct deposit check from SSA to the checking account in May.
P. Montesino, Kendall, Florida
Answer: If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death and any later months.
For example, if the person died in July, you must return the benefits paid in August. How you return the benefits depends on how the deceased received benefits:
· For funds received by direct deposit, contact the bank or other financial institution. Request that any funds received for the month of death or later be returned to us.
· Benefits received by check must be returned to us as soon as possible. Do not cash any checks received for the month in which the person dies or later.
Question: Who is eligible to receive survivor benefits? – P. Montesino, Kendall, Florida
Answer: Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits, including a/an:
· Surviving spouse age 60 or older (age 50 or older if they have a disability).
· Surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances.
· Surviving spouse at any age who is caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or has a disability and receiving child’s benefits.
· Unmarried child of the deceased who is one of the following:
o Younger than age 18 (or up to age 19 if they are a full-time student in an elementary or secondary school).
o Age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.
Are other family members eligible?
Under certain circumstances, the following family members may be eligible:
· A stepchild, grandchild, step grandchild, or adopted child.
Question: I need to get a Social Security Replacement Card, is there a fee?
F. Fontana, Weston, Florida
Answer: Social Security provides those services and more for free. Applying online is the fastest way to obtain a Social Security card. Answer a few questions to see if you can complete your request online, or if you need to finish part or all of your request in-person. Either way, you’ll receive your Social Security card in the mail within 14 days after your application is completed.
If you lost your card, you may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing your SSN is enough. But if you do need a replacement, we make it easy. Once you complete your application (online or in person), you will receive your Social Security card in the mail.
Source: Social Security Administration