When someone who is receiving Social Security Disability benefits passes away, his or her spouse and dependents may be eligible to receive survivor benefits. Survivor benefits are most commonly awarded to a surviving spouse. These benefits are particularly useful for parents with children, or spouses who are retirement age. Survivor benefits can help offset lost income, and keep a family stable following an unfortunate loss.
The amount of survivor benefits awarded varies. Surviving spouses may be eligible for 71.5 to 100 percent of the benefit amount. If the surviving spouse is caring for minor children (under age 16), or children who are disabled, then the benefit amount is set at 75 percent.
Survivor benefits offer payments to eligible family members at rates that depend on the amount of the late family member’s benefits, as well as