How do i know that I'm receiving all the benefits that are due to me due to the death of my husband? He left behind 5 children and 2 grand children. I was not aware that my grandchildren could have been included in the survivor benefits.
I receive SSI due to me being disabled. Can I file for and receive both SSI and my Disabled Widows Benefits off of my husbands record? Then someone said something about " Excess survivor benefits?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I don't know of any foolproof way to know if you're getting all of the benefits you're due, but our software may be able to help you with that. The software would ask you to submit information about your circumstances in order to help you determine the type(s) of benefits for which you may qualify. The software can also calculate benefit rates and analyze the best strategy for when to claim benefits.

Grandchildren do not qualify for benefits on the account of a deceased grandparent unless they were either adopted by the grandparent or if both of the grandchild's natural parents were deceased or disabled at the time of the grandparent's death (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0325.html).

If you are between ages 50 & 60 you could apply for disabled widow's benefits (DWB), but if you're receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) your SSI benefits would likely be reduced roughly dollar for dollar by any DWB benefits you receive. However, if what you actually receive is Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), then it's possible that you may be able to draw some DWB benefits in addition to your SSDI benefits. For more information on disabled widow's benefits, refer to the following Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/survivors/ifyou.html#h2.

Best, Jerry