Ask Larry

Can My Dad Receive Any Benefits From My Deceased Mother's Record?

My mom passed away dec 1 her social security went away my dad is 73 he is blind I'm his caregiver he gets social security can he receive any benefits from my mom? Thank you Erica

Hi Erica. I'm sorry for your loss. Your father could only receive monthly survivor benefits if your mother's benefit rate before deductions was higher than your father's benefit rate before deductions. However, even if your father doesn't qualify for monthly survivor benefits there is a one-time lump sum death benefit of $255 for which your father would likely qualify. If your father hasn't yet applied for that benefit, he should contact Social Security to make arrangements to apply.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Aug 5 2022 - 10:45am
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