How to Claim Social Security Survivor Benefits (Including VA Benefits)
When you lose a loved one, money may be the last thing on your mind. Despite this, bills still come. Fortunately, survivor benefits can help you cover those bills. This guide introduces survivor benefits from Social Security and the VA to simplify the process during a difficult time.
Key Takeaways
- You may qualify for Social Security or VA survivor benefits after your loved one dies.
- Generally, spouses and unmarried dependent children may qualify for benefits.
- Take action promptly to avoid delays.
Claiming Social Security Survivor Benefits
Social Security survivor benefits are cash payments that provide continuing financial support to a person’s immediate family after death. Intended as a replacement for the financial support provided by the lost loved one, they’re often a lifeline for families with minor children who rely on the deceased’s income.
Who Is Eligible for Social Security Survivor Benefits?
Your spouse and dependants, including children, are eligible to collect benefits based on your earnings and age. Ex-spouses, parents, adult children with disabilities, grandchildren, and stepchildren may also qualify if they were financially dependent on the deceased or disabled[1].
When Can You Claim Social Security After the Death of a Loved One?
You have up to 2 years to apply for the lump-sum Social Security survivor benefits[2].
Monthly survivor benefits pay out when you fully qualify. However, you should inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately of the death.
Starting the application process early can prevent delays. Lisa Koosis, a former claims specialist.
In some cases, claims are paid based on the date of application rather than the date of death, so applying quickly for benefits is essential.
Lisa Koosis, Former Claims Specialist
What is the Application Process?
Report the death to the SSA to start the application through your local Social Security Office or over the phone at 1-800-772-1213.
You must provide documentation and answer questions to determine eligibility.
What Documents Are Required?
Required documents can vary based on your relationship with the deceased and factors affecting your eligibility. To streamline the process, gather original or certified copies of these documents before applying:
- Your Social Security number
- The deceased’s Social Security number
- Death certificate
- Birth certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful resident status
- U.S. military discharge papers
- SSA-3368 and SSA-827 forms
- Tax information for the previous year
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree, if applicable
- A child’s birth certificate if applying for benefits for a child
How Long Does it Take to Receive Social Security Survivor Benefits?
Generally, it takes 2-3 months to process your application. However, if you aren’t the deceased’s spouse, child, or dependent parent, it may take longer for the application to be approved.
Claiming Veterans (VA) Survivor Benefits
VA (veterans) survivor benefits provide financial support to qualifying family members of veterans who died in the line of duty, who died because of a service-related disability, or who served during wartime periods. These include:
- The VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: This is a monthly tax-free benefit that can be paid out to eligible survivors, such as spouses and children, of veterans who passed in the line of duty or due to service-related injuries.
- Survivor’s pensions: These are similar to the VA DIC, but it’s based on the financial need of the surviving spouse or child. To qualify, the spouse must not be remarried, and the child must not be married.
- Education benefits: Education benefits are assistance from the VA intended specifically for the education of the deceased individual’s surviving spouse or child.
Who Is Eligible For Veterans’ Survivor Benefits?
Eligibility varies based on the type of benefits.
The following people may qualify for the survivor’s pension[3]:
- Spouses
- Minor children
- Unmarried children under the age of 23 while attending a VA-approved school
- Adult children with certain disabilities if the veteran served during specified wartimes
Surviving spouses, children, and parents may qualify for the VA DIC if their loved one died[4]:
- On active duty
- During inactive-duty training
- Of a service-related condition
- While eligible for VA compensation for a service-connected disability [4]
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program funds schooling and job training for spouses or children who are 18 years or older or have completed high school[5].
What Benefits Do Spouses of Deceased Veterans Get?
Spouses of deceased veterans may qualify for survivor’s pensions, VA DIC, or DEA benefits. These often require that the deceased veteran performed qualifying wartime service or died from a service-related disability.
Navigating veterans benefits can be challenging. Fortunately, many local VA offices offer free benefits counseling to help you determine applicable programs.
Lisa Koosis, Former Claims Specialist
What Is the Application Process?
Apply for benefits in person, by mail, or online. Complete the necessary forms, submit requested documentation, and answer any questions asked during the application process.
Veterans Service Organization representatives, attorneys, and claims agents can help with the process.
What Documents Are Required?
You may be asked for documentation, including[6]:
- The veteran’s discharge paperwork
- The veteran’s death certificate
- Your marriage certificate showing marriage during qualifying periods
- Birth certificates for qualifying children
How Long Does It Take to Get VA Survivor Benefits?
There’s no set timeline, as the VA processes applications in the order received. As of May 2024, the average time to process these applications is just over 5 months[7]. This may vary based on how many applications the VA currently has, how long it takes you to respond to questions the VA may ask, and the time it takes to review the evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Survivor Benefits
The Social Security lump-sum death benefit is a one-time payment of $255 to a qualifying surviving spouse. To claim this, the spouse must have been living with the deceased when they passed or they have to have been receiving Social Security benefits from the deceased.
When no eligible surviving spouse can claim the benefit, it may go to a surviving child[8].
Your surviving spouse can receive survivor benefits if they meet age requirements or if you share minor children. If your survivor benefits are higher than their retirement benefits, they’ll receive survivor benefits.
It’s important to inform the SSA of a death promptly. Overpayments must be repaid if you receive excess money for your deceased spouse.
Unmarried dependent children qualify for up to 75% of their deceased parent’s benefit based on earnings. However, in families with multiple qualifying children, the maximum payout is 150-180% of the parent’s full benefit amount. The maximum payout is split evenly among qualifying children.
Apply for VA education benefits online or by mail using VA Form 22-5490. When applying by mail, submit the form to your regional processing office.
Though highly unlikely, if the U.S. defaults on its debts, payments for VA retirement, disability, and DIC may stop.
Survivor Benefits Bring Financial Stability
Part of adjusting to life after death is learning how to live without your loved one. Though it may seem overwhelming, resources are available, such as your local Social Security Office or VA benefits advisors.
Ensuring financial stability by applying for survivor benefits is one step in the right direction.
Written by Serena Tanner
Serena Tanner attended the University of Washington, where she earned a degree in philosophy after many detours delving into human rights, law, psychology, and social work. Health and holistic wellness topics continue to hold a special place in her heart. When she's not reading or writing, she can be found exploring the Pacific Northwest with her two children and dogs.
Edited by Ani Lahiri
Anitra Lahiri earned her bachelor's degree in English from NYU and holds certifications in Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Reiki I and II, Natural Health, and SMART Recovery Facilitator Training. She is also completing her 500-hour hatha yoga teacher training in December 2024. By leading addiction recovery meetings, teaching yoga, and writing about wellness, Anitra helps people all over the world bounce back from addiction, incarceration, or traumatic life events. Her passion is encouraging people to tap into their inner wisdom. https://anitralahiri.com/
Subject Matter Expert Lisa Koosis
Lisa A. Koosis is a former claims specialist and an experienced content writer, who has ghostwritten extensively for clients in the insurance and finance sectors. She's a traditionally published novelist and a prize-winning short story writer who holds a degree in writing and literature from Long Island University. Lisa currently lives on Florida's Treasure Coast.
Sources
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Survivors benefits. Sourced from https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). How are Social Security survivor benefits calculated? Sourced from https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02083
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Survivors pension. Sourced from https://www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC). Sourced from https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Dependents’ educational assistance (DEA). Sourced from https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Evidence to support VA pension, DIC, or accrued benefits claims. Sourced from https://www.va.gov/resources/evidence-to-support-va-pension-dic-or-accrued-benefits-claims/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). After you file a VA disability claim. Sourced from https://www.va.gov/disability/after-you-file-claim/
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). If you are the survivor. Sourced from https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyou.html