Social Security Dependent and Survivor Benefits

Dependent Benefits for Children of SSDI Recipients

If you are approved for Social Security disability benefits and you have a dependent eligible child, your child may also be eligible for benefits based on your earnings record.

Social Security Benefits for Adult Children With Severe Disabilities

If your adult child is disabled and can't do any significant amount work, he or she may be able to collect Social Security child benefits or SSI disability benefits.

Survivor Benefits for Dependents of SSDI Recipients

People who work long enough for employers that pay taxes to the Social Security Administration (SSA) can become eligible for Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI).

When the Parents of Social Security Disability Recipients Can Get Survivors Benefits

The parents of a disabled worker who was receiving SSDI are eligible for benefits when their child dies, if their child was supporting them.

What Happens to a Social Security Disability Case if the Applicant Dies?

If a Social Security disability applicant dies while waiting to be approved for benefits, it may be possible for a family member to continue the claim and receive any benefits owed.

Social Security Benefits for Adult Children With Severe Disabilities

If your adult child is disabled and can't do any significant amount work, he or she may be able to collect Social Security child benefits or SSI disability benefits.

Can I get disabled widow's benefits?

My husband of 35 years died at age 65. He was collecting Social Security. I'm 58, so I'm not eligible for retirement yet, but I can no longer work due to a bad hip and back problems. Can I get disabled widow's benefits?

How Beneficiaries Can Claim Life Insurance and Social Security Benefits

Beneficiaries need to know how to collect life insurance and Social Security payments that belonged to the deceased; the executor of the estate doesn't usually handle this task.

What Social Security Benefits Are Available for the "Currently Insured"?

If my husband is currently insured (he worked for awhile a couple of years ago), does that mean I can get Social Security benefits when he dies?

Same-Sex Marriage and Eligibility for Social Security Dependents and Survivors Benefits

In some states, gay and lesbian spouses are now eligible for Social Security benefits based on their same-sex spouse's earnings record.

Children of Same-Sex Marriages and Eligibility for Federal Benefits

Same-sex spouses no longer have to adopt their partners' children to make them eligible for federal benefits.

Common Law Marriage and Social Security Dependents and Survivor Benefits

In some states, couples that meet certain criteria are considered to have a “common law” marriage even if they never held a religious or civil marriage ceremony.

Social Security Benefits for Members of Domestic Partnerships and Civil Unions

While same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, domestic partnerships and civil unions vary by state.

Social Security Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses of Native Americans

While the federal government treats Native American tribes as sovereign, domestic, dependent nations, federal law trumps tribal law in many matters outside a tribal nation’s jurisdiction.