Local Law Firms Home > Social Security & Disability Law Overview > Functional Capacity > Widow Benefits Some of the Social Security taxes you pay end up shoring up your survivors insurance. As a matter of fact, widower or widow benefits under Social Security may end up being more than what you get from purchased life insurance cover. Of course, it’s still a bureaucracy and they don't make it easy for survivors to actually get the benefits they deserve after the family's earning member passes away. Are you or a loved one struggling to get widower or widow benefits from the Social Security Administration? Contact a Social Security attorney near you today to get help with your claim. Listed below are some of the related issues for which people often need a Social Security lawyer.
In order to make sure your widow or widower is eligible for survivors benefits, you have to earn credits. The actual formula is based on your age, but you need at least 20 credits over the last 10 years to trigger Social Security disability benefits. It can be more if you are older and your family will get still benefits if you are younger. The absolute minimum requirement is that you should have earned at least 6 credits (one and half years of work) in the 3 years prior to your disability and/or subsequent death. If you were already receiving disability benefits before your death, then the maximum amount they can get is limited to the Social Security disability benefit amount you were getting. For example, a widower or widow of any age with a child aged below 18 will get 75 percent of the full benefits you were entitled to as disability payment before your death. There may also be a special lump sum death benefit available. Have you or a loved one applied for widow benefits from the Social Security Administration? Contact a Social Security attorney near you today to get help with your claim. Did you know? |