What Are Survivor Benefits?
Survivor benefits are a way for dependents of a disabled person to remain financially stable after that person passes away. If a person, who is fully insured by the Social Security Administration, passes away, then certain people, who were dependent on that person’s Social Security Disability Benefits, may be eligible to continue receiving those benefits.
Who Can Receive Survivor Benefits?
- Widows – If a person that is receiving Social Security Disability Benefits passes away and leaves behind a widow or widower, the surviving spouse is eligible to receive those benefits under certain conditions. If the widow is over 60, they will receive the benefits. If they are over 50, but disabled, they will receive the benefits. Additionally, a widow of any age that is caring for the deceased’s children, who are under age 16.
Children – Unmarried children, who are under the age of 18, or over the age of 18 and disabled, are able to continue receiving a deceased parent’s Social Security Disability. Children can receive benefits if they are 19, only as long as they are enrolled full time in elementary or secondary school.- Grandchildren – In cases where a grandchild’s parents are deceased, and the grandparent that is receiving SSDI becomes the grandchild’s guardian, the grandchild will be able to receive survivor benefits in the event of the grandparent’s death.
- Parents – If a deceased person, who was receiving SSDI benefits, was financially supporting a parent, then that parent may be entitled to continue collecting those SSDI benefits.
- Divorced Spouse – Divorced widows/widowers may also be able to receive survivor benefits, as long as they were married for at least 10 years, the surviving ex-spouse has not remarried, and is at least 62 years old.
Have You Been Denied Survivor Benefits?
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Why Hire Us?
If you are the spouse or relative of someone that passed away while receiving Social Security Disability Benefits, you may be able to continue collecting those benefits. Our Social Security Disability lawyers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts have experience getting disabled clients the compensation they deserve. They charge no fee unless they win your claim. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll free number or fill out a contact form on our website.