The Social Security system offers several benefits to qualifying individuals. In some cases, surviving family members may still be able to receive benefits after the recipient has passed away. These survivor benefits in Warrendale provide families with financial support following the loss of their loved one.
Engaging with an experienced lawyer may be crucial to applying for and receiving survivor benefits. A dedicated elder law attorney could help you navigate the Social Security system with confidence. Contact Sechler Law Firm, LLC, today to learn how we could assist you.
Social Security programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Several programs are available for individuals who have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes, including Social Security Retirement benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Retirement benefits are available once a person reaches 62 years of age. However, you will not be able to receive full benefits until you reach the full retirement age designated by your birth year.
SSDI is available to individuals who cannot work or can only work in a limited capacity due to a disability. A person is only eligible for SSDI if they have a disability recognized by the SSA, that disability has lasted or is expected to last 12 months, and they have a sufficient work history based on age.
Survivor benefits in Warrendale are available to certain family members of an individual who worked and paid into the Social Security system. Family members eligible for these benefits include spouses, ex-spouses, children, and dependent parents.
The amount of benefits available will depend on your relationship with the deceased. For spouses, the amount starts at 71.5% and increases to 100% after reaching retirement age. Spouses seeking survivor benefits may have age-based earning limits.
In some cases, surviving spouses and children may be able to receive a lump sum death payment through Social Security.
There are several steps to applying for survivor benefits through Social Security. The first is determining your loved one’s work history and whether they paid into Social Security. Ultimately, your benefits will be based on this work history.
Once you have learned this, the next step to applying is determining your eligibility for survivor benefits in Warrendale. You may be eligible if the following are true:
You will also need to gather relevant documents before applying, including a death certificate, social security numbers, and proof of your relationship to the deceased.
Unlike other Social Security programs, you cannot apply online. You must file your application over the phone or in person at your local SSA office. Seeking legal support early may assist in navigating the eligibility and application requirements. This could help you avoid common errors and missteps that can lead to delays or denial of benefits.
Many individuals have worked hard over the years, paying into the Social Security system to benefit themselves and their families. When they can no longer receive these benefits, their loved ones should. These survivor benefits in Warrendale are crucial to many families’ financial stability after a loved one has passed.
At Sechler Law Firm, LLC, our dedicated estate planning attorneys could guide and assist you through the application process. There is no need to go back and forth with the SSA. We could help you determine the eligibility of your benefits and assist with each step. Call now.
Click here to come to an elder law workshop.
