My friend just passed away. He was born on 1/24/1957(63 years old)He was working and not collecting S.S. benefits. He leaves behind 3 kids-twins aged 9 and one child aged 11. Also a young widow 40 years old. What S.S. benefits are the Widow and 3 kids entitled to? She is the sole caretaker for the children. Thanks for any advice you can give-Marty.

Hi Marty,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Assuming that your friend paid into Social Security long enough to be insured for benefits, it sounds like his children would qualify for child benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/survivors/onyourown.html). His wife could also qualify for mother's benefits if she has the children in her care, but if she's working her benefits could be subject to full or partial withholding if she earns too much (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html).

The amount of benefits that your friend's family could be paid depends on his earnings history. Basically, the more that he earned and paid into the Social Security program, the higher the survivor benefits will be. Your friend's widow can initiate the application process by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Best, Jerry