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how do i get my father's social security benefits

by Walter Becker Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Apply to get your father's Social Security record from the SSA

Social Security Administration

The United States Social Security Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits. To qualify for most of these benefits, most workers pay Social …

. You can use an online form called Request for a Deceased Individual's Social Security History, or download, print and mail in form SS-771. This record includes the person's Social Security application in addition to the SSN

Social Security number

In the United States, a Social Security number is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents under section 205c of the Social Security Act, codified as 42 U.S.C. § 405(c. The number is issued to an individual by the Social Security Ad…

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You can apply for benefits by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.

Full Answer

How do I get my father's Social Security number?

Apply to get your father's Social Security record from the SSA. You can use an online form called Request for a Deceased Individual's Social Security History, or download, print and mail in form SS-771. This record includes the person's Social Security application in addition to the SSN. The fee for this is currently under $30.

Can a child get Social Security benefits if the father dies?

The child survivor benefit is available regardless of whether the parent was the father or mother. To qualify for monthly Social Security benefits, a child must be unmarried and under age 18. Those between 18 and 19 still qualify if they are full-time students at an elementary or secondary school.

How do I get my Child’s Social Security benefits?

Instead, a visit to a local Social Security office is recommended, or a phone call to the national toll-free call center. This could be a relatively simple transaction if the child were already collecting some kind of Social Security benefits.

How do I apply for Social Security after a parent dies?

The person who is the guardian of a surviving child should contact Social Security after the death of the parent. The Social Security Administration has automated many of its services on its website, but reporting a death and applying for benefits as a survivor cannot be done online.

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Can I collect my father's Social Security?

How much can a family get? Within a family, a child can receive up to half of the parent's full retirement or disability benefits. If a child receives survivors benefits, they can get up to 75% of the deceased parent's basic Social Security benefit.

Who is entitled to a deceased person's Social Security?

A widow or widower age 60 or older (age 50 or older if they have a disability). A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances. A widow or widower at any age who is caring for the deceased's child who is under age 16 or has a disability and receiving child's benefits.

Who is eligible to receive the $255 Social Security death benefit?

Only the widow, widower or child of a Social Security beneficiary can collect the $255 death benefit, also known as a lump-sum death payment. Priority goes to a surviving spouse if any of the following apply: The widow or widower was living with the deceased at the time of death.

How do you collect someone else's Social Security?

If you are applying for an SSN on behalf of someone else, you must provide evidence of your authority to sign the application on behalf of the person to whom the card will be issued and evidence of your own identity.

What happens to Social Security benefits when someone dies?

Social Security will automatically change any monthly benefits received to survivors' benefits after it receives the report of death. The agency might be able to pay a Special Lump-Sum Death Payment automatically. One thing to keep in mind is that no social security benefits are due for the month of a person's death.

How do I report my father's death to Social Security?

In most cases, the funeral home will report the person's death to us. You should give the funeral home the deceased person's Social Security number if you want them to make the report. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Can a child collect a deceased parents pension?

Typically, pension plans allow for only the member—or the member and their surviving spouse—to receive benefit payments; however, in limited instances, some may allow for a non-spouse beneficiary, such as a child.

How long does a child receive Social Security benefits from a deceased parent?

Benefits stop when your child reaches age 18 unless your child is a student or disabled. Within a family, a child can receive up to half of the parent's full retirement or disability benefit.

How much does Social Security pay on funeral expenses?

$255The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays a small grant to eligible survivors of some beneficiaries to help with the cost of a funeral. In 2020, this amount was set by law at $255 for SSI recipients.

Who is considered a Social Security beneficiary?

A Social Security beneficiary is someone who receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. When a beneficiary passes away, there are certain steps that must be taken to cancel benefits or transfer the payments to an eligible survivor.

Does Social Security pay a death benefit?

Form SSA-8 | Information You Need To Apply For Lump Sum Death Benefit. You can apply for benefits by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office.

Do you need someone's Social Security number to add them as a beneficiary?

Yes. Banks may require the beneficiary to provide a Social Security number (SSN) for monetary transactions. This requirement is intended to verify that funds are distributed to the correct designated individual(s) listed in a will, trust, insurance policy, retirement plan, annuity, or other contract.

How old do you have to be to get Social Security?

Be at least 62 years old. Be unmarried. Not be eligible for an equal or higher benefit on their own Social Security record, or on someone else's Social Security record. The amount of benefits payable to your divorced spouse has no effect on the amount of benefits you or your current spouse may receive.

How much disability can a family member receive?

Each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit of up to 50 percent of your disability benefit amount. However, there is a limit to the amount we can pay your family. The total varies, depending on your benefit amount and the number of qualifying family members on your record.

What age can you get disability benefits?

Divorced spouse. Children. Adult child disabled before age 22. If any of your qualified family members apply for benefits, we will ask for their Social Security numbers and their birth certificates.

How old do you have to be to get a disability?

Be under age 18; or. Be 18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12); or. Be 18 or older and disabled from a disability that started before age 22. Normally, benefits stop when children reach age 18 unless they are disabled.

Can a child receive Social Security disability?

When you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, your children may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. Your eligible child can be your biological child, adopted child, or stepchild. A dependent grandchild may also qualify. To receive benefits, the child must: Be unmarried.

Do you pay your spouse's retirement first?

If your spouse is eligible for retirement benefits on their own record, we will always pay that amount first. But, if the spouse’s benefit that is payable on your record is a higher amount, they will get a combination of the two benefits that equals the higher amount.

What is the first step in getting a child's social security number?

Your child's Social Security number is the first step in ensuring valuable protection for any benefits they may be eligible for in the future.

How old do you have to be to receive Social Security?

If you are a parent who receives most of your support from your adult child, and your child dies, Social Security also pays monthly benefits to you under the following conditions: You must be at least 62 years old and must not have remarried since the worker (your child)'s death.

When does child benefit stop?

Your child's benefit will continue until he or she reaches age 18, or 19 if he or she is still in school full time. Your monthly payments stop with the child’ s 16th birthday, unless your child is disabled and stays in your care.

Do grandparents get Social Security?

Social Security will pay benefits to grandchildren when the grandparent retires, becomes disabled, or dies, if certain conditions are met. Generally, the biological parents of the child must be deceased or disabled, or the grandparent must legally adopt the grandchild.

Does Social Security pay for children?

And Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. Providing protection for parents too…. Even if you have never worked in a job covered by Social Security, as a parent, there are two ways that you may still qualify for benefits.

Can widows get Social Security?

Social Security helps by providing benefits to help stabilize the family’s financial future. Widows, wido wers, and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. In fact, 98 of every 100 children could get benefits if a working parent dies.

Can a disabled parent get Social Security?

As a working parent, your earnings can become a source of Social Security protection for your family. If you retire or become disabled and unable to work, your earnings would be partially replaced by your monthly Social Security benefit payments. A child who is disabled may depend on your help for a lifetime.

Who can receive Social Security benefits?

Social Security may be best known for the monthly benefits it provides to retirees, but, in some cases, it also offers benefits to their dependents. Potential recipients include spouses, along with dependent parents, children, and grandchildren. Depending on their relationship to the retiree, dependents may receive payments ...

How old do you have to be to receive spousal benefits?

In order to receive this benefit, the spouse receiving the spousal benefit must be at least 62 years old or be caring for a child who is younger than 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits. 1.

How old do you have to be to get a survivor's check?

To receive these benefits, the surviving spouse must be at least 60 years old, or 50 if disabled. (The disability must have begun before or within seven years of the worker's death.) 4

How much will Social Security be in 2021?

1. If you are still working, your spousal benefits may be reduced, based on your income. The threshold is fairly low; for 2021, it's $18,960 in annual income or $1,580 per month.

What age can a child be eligible for Medicaid?

A child who is 18 or older is also eligible if they suffer from a disability that began no later than age 22. 12 15. For families that are in this situation, it's worth noting that there are other government programs, such as Medicaid, that have provisions to assist children and adults with disabilities.

How old do you have to be to get a divorce?

However, you have to be at least 62 years old, and the divorce must have been finalized for at least two years if you have not yet reached your normal retirement age. 7 . Divorced spouses who had more than one marriage that lasted at least 10 years do not receive multiple benefit checks or one for each marriage.

Can a widower receive survivor benefits?

A younger widow or widower can also be eligible for survivor benefits if they are caring for a child of the deceased worker who is under the age of 16 or disabled and receiving dependent benefits based upon their late parent’s earnings record. 5.

What percentage of my deceased spouse's Social Security is mother/father?

While the basic mother/father benefit is 75% of your deceased spouse’s primary insurance amount, there are various factors that could reduce your mother/father benefit. If you are working, the Social Security earnings test could result in your mother/father benefit being partially or fully withheld. If you are receiving a government pension ...

What is the mother father benefit amount?

Mother/Father Benefit Amount. The amount of a mother/father benefit is 75% of your deceased spouse’s “ primary insurance amount ” (that is, 75% of the monthly retirement benefit that your deceased spouse would have received if he she had been alive at his/her full retirement age and filed for benefits at his/her full retirement age).

What happens to your mother and father benefits when you retire?

When you reach your full retirement age, if you are receiving a mother/father benefit at that time, you will automatically be “deemed” to have filed for your widow (er) benefit. And because of eligibility requirement #3 discussed above, that means that your mother/father benefit will terminate at that time.

How long can you backdate your mother/father benefits?

Retroactive Application for Mother/Father Benefits. When you file for mother/father benefits, you can backdate your application by up to 6 months (but no earlier than your deceased spouse’s date of death), thereby allowing you to receive a lump sum for months for which you were eligible for a benefit but simply had not yet filed for such.

How old do you have to be to get Social Security after a grandparent dies?

Grandchildren also must have been living with their deceased grandparent before age 18 to receive survivor benefits following the grandparent’s death. The Social Security Administration should be contacted with specific questions about child eligibility.

Who can contact Social Security about a survivor?

Once this has been done, family members can contact Social Security to find out about possible survivor benefits. The person who is the guardian of a surviving child should contact Social ...

How old do you have to be to qualify for survivor benefits?

The onset of their disability must be before age 22. In addition to biological children, a deceased worker’s grandchildren, stepchildren and adopted children may also qualify for a survivor benefit. For grandchildren to qualify, their biological parents usually must be disabled or deceased.

How many children received Social Security in 2018?

Nearly 2 million children received Social Security survivor benefits in 2018, with an average monthly payment of $859. In most cases, this benefit ends when the child marries or turns 18, but there are certain exceptions.

What percentage of Social Security benefits do children get when they die?

According to the Social Security Administration, a child could receive 75 percent of a deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit. A child’s benefit could be reduced due to the maximum benefit allowed per family.

How much can a spouse collect from a retired spouse?

If all the requirements are met, a spouse can collect as much as 50 percent of what their retired spouse received.

What age do you collect Social Security?

The largest group of people who collect Social Security benefits are retirees who have put in at least 10 years earning a salary and paying Social Security taxes. Someone who qualifies for benefits based on their earnings can start collecting a monthly benefit when they reach age 62, though many don’t opt to collect until age 70 or older, which increases their monthly payment.

How do I qualify for SSI?

Supplemental Security Income is a separate program for Americans with limited incomes and other resources. Recipients must generally be 65 or older, blind, or disabled. But SSI is also available to children under age 18 in certain cases. To qualify: 1 The child must have a physical or mental impairment (or impairments) that results in marked and severe functional limitations. 2 The impairment or impairments must have lasted or be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.

How old do you have to be to qualify for Social Security?

Are younger than 18 years old or up to age 19 if they are full-time high school students. Are 18 years or older and disabled (as long as the disability began before they turned age 22). 1 . The requirements for Social Security survivors benefits are similar, except that the parent must be deceased for the child to qualify. 2 .

What is SSI for disabled children?

Children who are disabled may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate program that's also run by the Social Security Administration.

What age can I get SSI?

Supplemental Security Income is a separate program for Americans with limited incomes and other resources. Recipients must generally be 65 or older, blind, or disabled. But SSI is also available to children under age 18 in certain cases. To qualify:

How much Social Security do children get?

How Much Do Children Receive in Social Security Benefits? A child may receive a Social Security benefit equal to 50% of the parent’s full retirement benefit or disability benefit. If the parent is deceased, the child is eligible to receive up to 75% of the parent’s full retirement benefit.

What happens if a child is disabled?

If the child is disabled and you have responsibility for them, your benefits may continue. 8  For these types of specific circumstances, it’s best to contact the Social Security Administration for guidance.

What happens if the amount due to the entire family exceeds the maximum?

If the amount due the entire family surpasses the maximum, some individual payments will be proportionately reduced. As an example, consider a retiree named June, who has a dependent child, Ruth, who is also eligible for benefits. June's full retirement amount is $1,500, and her family maximum is $2,300. June would receive her full $1,500 per ...

What percentage of the death benefit is paid to a deceased parent?

The payment amount is 75 percent of the late parent’s (or grandparent’s) primary insurance amount, which is the full benefit the deceased was entitled to based on his or her earnings history.

What is the maximum amount of child benefit?

The maximum generally falls between 150 percent and 180 percent of the late worker’s primary insurance amount, but it can go as high as 188 percent.

Can a child be unmarried to collect survivors benefits?

In almost all circumstances, children must be unmarried to collect survivors benefits. Some narrow exceptions exist for disabled adults who receive “child” benefits based on a late parent’s record.

Can a stepchild qualify for a survivor's benefit?

In some circumstances, stepchildren, grandchildren and step-grandchildren may also qualify for survivors benefits.

Can disabled people receive child benefits?

Some narrow exceptions exist for disabled adults who receive “child” benefits based on a late parent’s record. The payment amount for a child beneficiary is subject to the family maximum, the upper limit of what a wage earner’s children, spouse and parents can collectively receive in family or survivor benefits.

Can children get survivors benefits?

Children may qualify for survivors benefits on the earnings record of a deceased parent. The need for this benefit has grown more acute with the emergence of COVID-19, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says accounted for 11 percent of U.S. deaths in 2020. While the coronavirus struck hardest at adults beyond parenting age, ...

How to get my father's Social Security?

You can use an online form called Request for a Deceased Individual's Social Security History, or download, print and mail in form SS-771. This record includes the person's Social Security application in addition to the SSN.

Who has the SSN of my father?

Your father's attorney, executor, banker and investment banker will have his SSN. If he has a mortgage or credit card debt, you may be able to locate his SSN on these. Passport applications usually call for the SSN as well. Credit reports may contain his SSN.

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Mother/Father Benefit Amount

  • The amount of a mother/father benefit is 75% of your deceased spouse’s “primary insurance amount” (that is, 75% of the monthly retirement benefit that your deceased spouse would have received if he she had been alive at his/her full retirement age and filed for benefits at his/her full retirement age).
See more on articles.opensocialsecurity.com

Automatic Conversion to Widow(er) Benefits

  • When you reach your full retirement age, if you are receiving a mother/father benefit at that time, you will automatically be “deemed” to have filed for your widow(er) benefit. And because of eligibility requirement #3 discussed above, that means that your mother/father benefit will terminate at that time.
See more on articles.opensocialsecurity.com

Reductions to Mother/Father Benefits

  • While the basic mother/father benefit is 75% of your deceased spouse’s primary insurance amount, there are various factors that could reduce your mother/father benefit. 1. If you are working, the Social Security earnings testcould result in your mother/father benefit being partially or fully withheld. 2. If you are receiving a government pension from work that was not covered by Social Security tax, the “government pension offset” will reduce your …
See more on articles.opensocialsecurity.com

Retroactive Application For Mother/Father Benefits

  • When you file for mother/father benefits, you can backdate your application by up to 6 months (but no earlier than your deceased spouse’s date of death), thereby allowing you to receive a lump sum for months for which you were eligible for a benefit but simply had not yet filed for such.
See more on articles.opensocialsecurity.com

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