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April 21, 2025

Social Security Disability Survivor Benefits For Widows, Children And Family

Woman with grandchildren at home

Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things that can happen—and handling the financial aftermath can add to an already difficult time. Things get even more challenging if you are disabled, or financially relied on the deceased family member. In times like this, many ask, “does Social Security disability have survivor benefits?”

They do indeed, and you may be eligible. These benefits are designed to help you and your family stay financially stable while you grieve and adjust to life after loss.

Think of Social Security disability survivor benefits as a safety net designed to catch your family when the primary source of income is suddenly gone. Knowing what you may be eligible for—and how to apply—can make a major difference. This guide will walk you through what survivor benefits are, who qualifies and how they’re calculated.

What Are Survivor Benefits And Why Are They Important?

Social Security disability survivor benefits are monthly payments or one-time support that the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides to the eligible family members. These benefits replace a portion of the lost income and ensure continued support for those left behind.

These benefits are calculated based on your loved one’s lifetime earnings. The more they contributed to Social Security during their working years, the higher the potential benefit. Without them, you might be left struggling to meet basic needs. That’s where survivor benefits come in. They exist to help bridge that financial gap.

Who Is Eligible For Social Security Disability Survivor Benefits?

We hear a number of common questions about eligibility – or even if such a benefit exists.

  • Are there survivor benefits for Social Security disability?
  • Are there Social Security disability survivor benefits for a widow?
  • When a husband dies, does the wife get his Social Security disability?

The short answer: yes, Social Security survivor benefits exist and include spouses, but they don’t stop there. Several categories of family members may qualify, depending on age, disability status or caregiving responsibilities.

Surviving Spouses

If you're a surviving spouse, you can typically begin collecting survivor benefits at age 60. If you have a disability, you can qualify as early as age 50. And if you’re caring for a child under age 16 or a child with a disability, there’s no minimum age requirement.

Divorced Spouses

Even if you were divorced, you might still be eligible for survivor benefits—if your marriage lasted at least 10 years. If you’re caring for a child under age 16 or a child with a disability, that requirement may be waived.

Consider this scenario: you divorced your spouse after a 15-year marriage. They later passed away while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. If you’re over age 60 or caring for a qualifying child, you may be eligible for survivor benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record.

Dependent Children

Children may also receive Social Security disability survivor benefits. These are available to biological children, adopted children and even stepchildren or grandchildren under specific conditions. Typically, the benefit continues until the child turns 18—or 19 if still in high school full-time. For children with a disability that began before age 22, benefits can continue indefinitely.

If your child is 17 and attending high school, or has a long-standing disability, they may qualify to receive up to 75% of the SSDI benefit your spouse was receiving.

Dependent Parents

If you are the parent of an adult child who supported you financially and who passed away while receiving SSDI, you may be eligible for survivor benefits. You must be at least 62 years old and show that you relied on your child for at least half of your financial support.

For instance, if your adult child’s SSDI payments helped cover your rent, groceries or medical bills, and they pass away, you could receive up to 82.5% of their benefit as a dependent parent.

Exploring The Types Of Survivor Benefits

Understanding the types of Social Security disability survivor benefits available to you can help you make informed decisions at a time when clarity is especially important.

Monthly Payments for Surviving Spouses

The monthly payment amount depends on your age and circumstances:

  • You may receive 100% of your loved one’s benefit if you’re at full retirement age or older.
  • If you’re between 60 and full retirement age, you may qualify for 71.5% to 99% of the SSDI benefit.
  • If you have a disability and are aged 50 to 59, the benefit is 71.5%.
  • If you’re caring for a child under age 16 or with a disability, you may receive 75%, regardless of your age.

For example, if your deceased spouse was receiving $2,000 a month in SSDI, you could receive up to $2,000 per month yourself—depending on your age and situation.

Monthly Payments for Dependent Children

Children can receive up to 75% of the deceased parent’s benefit. These payments can be a financial lifeline during critical years of development. The support may continue until the child turns 18 or 19 (if still in high school), or indefinitely if they have a qualifying disability.

Imagine your spouse passed away, leaving behind a 14-year-old child. That child may now be eligible for $1,500 a month (75% of a $2,000 benefit) to help with everyday expenses.

Dependent Parent Benefits

If one dependent parent qualifies, they may receive up to 82.5% of the SSDI benefit. If two parents qualify, each may receive 75%. These benefits can ease the burden of losing a child who provided regular financial help.

For instance, if your adult child provided half your income and they pass away, you could receive a consistent monthly payment to help support your household expenses.

Lump-Sum Death Payment

This one-time payment of $255 is available to a surviving spouse or child. While it may seem modest, it can help cover immediate needs such as funeral costs. You must apply within two years of your loved one’s death.

Common Challenges In Claiming Survivor Benefits

Unfortunately, the survivor benefits process isn’t always smooth. Many families face the following challenges:

  • Unclear eligibility rules based on age, disability or caregiving status.
  • Missing or incomplete documentation, such as birth certificates or proof of dependency.
  • Confusion over benefit percentages, especially for divorced spouses or children with disabilities.

You might find yourself asking, “Do I qualify?” or “How much can I actually get?” Without help, these questions can delay the support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About SSDI Survivor Benefits

Can I receive survivor benefits if I’m receiving Social Security retirement benefits? 

Yes, however the SSA will pay you whichever of the two benefits is higher as you typically cannot receive both at the same time. You may choose to receive one benefit first and switch to the other later if it results in a higher monthly amount.

What happens if multiple family members qualify for survivor benefits from the same SSDI record? 

There is a limit to how much can be paid in total survivor benefits on one worker’s record—usually between 150% and 188% of the original SSDI benefit. If total payments exceed that limit, each person’s benefit may be reduced proportionally. Learn more about SSA’s family maximum.

Do survivor benefits affect my eligibility for other government assistance programs? 

Yes, survivor benefits can count as income for certain needs-based programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid or SNAP. If you're receiving any income-based assistance, report the survivor benefits and check whether your eligibility or benefit amount will change.

Can I delay claiming survivor benefits to receive a higher amount later? 

Yes, if you are eligible for survivor benefits while also eligible for your own retirement benefit, you may be able to start with one and switch to the other later. For example, you could take survivor benefits early and then switch to full retirement benefits at age 70 when it’s at the highest amount.

Need Help With Social Security Survivor Benefits?

Choose the scenario that fits you the best:

  • If you are a widow/widower aged 50-59 AND have a disability.
    You may qualify for Social Security disability survivor benefits based on the work history of your departed spouse.

For expert representation to help you apply and get approved, connect with Allsup by calling (800) 678-3276 or contacting us online.

 

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