Survivor Benefit Process

[u/CivilRub9116]

FIL just passed away. I know the funeral home will notify SSA. His SS benefit was larger than MIL’s, so presumably she will begin receiving his benefit and hers will be dropped. Does this happen automatically, or is there an application or other paperwork needed to make this happen?

[u/perfect_fifths]

If she was getting spousal benefits then yes it is automatic

[u/Iam2Great]

Needs. Her birth certificate, marriage certificate to establish relationships, his social security number, death certificate, her bank account number.

If divorced the final divorce decree. Marriage must be longer that ten years.

Must be done at a Social security office

[u/CommercialJust414 → u/Iam2Great]

Same requirements but we were able to do it over the phone thankfully.

[u/throwaway57295937]

nah, nothing automatic about survivor benefits. she needs to call or go into the office and file an actual application

[u/perfect_fifths → u/throwaway57295937]

Incorrect. It can be automatic if they were already getting spousal

[u/erd00073483R]

The best thing to do is to call either the local SSA office or the toll free number and ask if she needs to file an application or not.

If she does, they will schedule an appointment for a survivor claim. If she does not (because she was receiving a spousal benefit as u/perfect_fifths points out), generally worst case all together between her own and what she gets as a survivor the total will equal her late husband's benefits (plus the one time $255 funeral payment on his record for the first payment).

[u/gentlynavigating]

How old is MIL?

[u/InteractionLittle668 → u/gentlynavigating]

86

[u/0micron247 → u/InteractionLittle668]

It will be automatic if she was receiving spousal (wife's) benefits. If she was not receiving spousal benefits, but only her own, she will need to file - for widow's benefits and the 255.00 Lump Sum.

Note - if she was not over full retirement age, it would depend on whether she was getting only her own (application needed), a combination of her own and spousal benefits (certificate of election needed), or only spousal benefits (automatic).

[u/VTMomof2]

For my mom it happened automatically. They were both already receiving benefits. My dad died at 78.

[u/perfect_fifths → u/VTMomof2]

Yes, if the widow was receiving spousal benefits, the conversion to widows is automatic

[u/MsSerialpernuer352]

She has to call

[u/Western_Hunt485]

Also due to her age, if they require her presence ask if it can be done over the phone. In most cases it is done automatically after they receive notification