Hi Larry.. My mother, who was a homemaker never contributed to social security , however she collected 600 or so a month at the time of her passing three weeks ago roughly. My father receives roughly 1100. Combined they were able to live ok, however, she passed on August 29th and the amount that was deposited on her behalf was withdrawn once the death certificate was issued.
My father was the one who worked and contributed to the fund. Is he stuck trying to live on 1100 a month or will social security increase his benefits? They were both born in 1936 and my father took his benefits at 62. Thank you.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I wish I could give you better news, but no, your father's benefit rate won't increase as a result of your mother's death. Spousal and child benefits are auxiliary (extra) benefits that can be paid from a worker's record to eligible family members, and any such benefits are terminated if the beneficiary dies. Auxiliary benefits don't cause a reduction in the worker's benefit rate, so the worker is not due a benefit increase when auxiliary benefits terminate.

Social Security survivor benefits can only be paid when the deceased individual was insured for Social Security benefits on their own record. Since your mother never paid into Social Security, your father wouldn't be eligible for any survivor benefits from your mother's record.

Best, Jerry