If Someone Getting SSD Dies, Can I Get Their Benefits?

Not exactly. Social Security disability benefits (SSD) are for the disabled worker, and those benefits terminate when the recipient passes away. But that doesn’t necessarily mean dependents are on their own. Here are some benefits that may be available to surviving family members when an SSD recipient passes away. 

Social Security Death Benefit

The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays a one-time, lump-sum death benefit when a recipient of either SSD or Social Security retirement benefits passes away. This is a small payment. In 2023, it’s $255. This benefit is payable to the surviving spouse if there is one. If not, the benefit may be paid to a child of the deceased.

Survivor’s Benefits

Some dependents of a deceased SSD recipient can receive survivor’s benefits.

These family members may qualify for benefits on the deceased’s work record: 

• A surviving spouse aged 60 or older
• A surviving spouse of any age who is caring for a child of the deceased who is under the age of 16
• A surviving spouse of any age who is caring for a child of the deceased who is disabled
• A surviving spouse aged 50 or older who became disabled during the SSD recipient’s life or within seven years of their death. 
• An unmarried child of the deceased who is under the age of 18, or up to age 19 and two months if they are a full-time student in elementary or secondary school
• An adult child with a disability that began before age 22

In some circumstances, others may be able to receive survivor’s benefits.

These include: 

• A former spouse who was married to the SSD recipient for at least 10 years and who has not remarried or who remarried after age 60
• A former spouse who is caring for a child of the deceased who is under the age of 16 or disabled and is receiving child’s benefits, regardless of the length of the marriage
• Parents of the deceased who are at least 62 years of age, if they received at least half of their support from the deceased SSD recipient
• Grandchildren or stepchildren, under certain circumstances

The amount of survivor’s benefits that a family member receives will depend on both the deceased’s work record and the number of family members receiving benefits. 

An Experienced Disability Benefits Attorney Can Help

Applying for Social Security survivor benefits can be complicated. If you’ve been denied survivor benefits, don’t believe you are receiving the right amount, or just aren’t sure how to find out whether you qualify, we’re here to help. Call us today at (800) 800-3332 or fill out our contact us here now for a FREE consultation.