Survivor benefits

[RalphM6891]

My spouse recently died at age 72. I’m 75, but receive a lower SS benefit than her because I retired early to take care of her. Am I entitled to receive any of her SS benefits in addition to my own? If yes, what percentage, and how do I apply for these benefits? (The month of her death, January, 2026, SS placed her regular benefit amount in our checking account as it normally does, but then withdrew the full amount one day later). Thank you for your help!

[GailL1]

Sorry for your loss -

Yes, you are entitled to your wife’s survivors benefits - the amount of the benefit will be what she was getting when she died - that is the maximum amount but it will be coded as your benefit amount + your wife’s benefit amount to equal what your wife was getting when she died.  So it only makes sense to say - you get the higher benefit and since both of you were older than FRA - there will not be a deduction.

SSA.gov - Survivors Benefits SSA.gov - Form SSA-10 | Information You Need to Apply for Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Divorced S... 

For Survivors benefits, you can call or visit a local office (make an appointment) - look over the list of things to bring at the above site.

For her benefit that SSA took back, the burial benefit ($ 255), and any Medicare premiums that she may have over paid - you will have to file a claim for the release of these funds.

For a Medicare premium refund,  or a Social Security benefit, you will need to file from SSA-1724.  Once you file this out, they will know how to disburse the funds to various family members..

SSA-1724 - 

For the lump sums burial benefit  $ 255 - file SSA - 8- you can find out what other info the SSA will need by looking over this SSA site.’

SSA.gov. SSA-8 - Information You Need To Apply For Lump Sum Death Benefit 

The actual form:  SSA - 8 : Application for Lump Sum Death Payment - I did check and this is the most recent one to date -

You will give them the information on where your direct deposit will go once they have approved your Survivor Benefits. 

Just make an appointment and have all the info ready for a one trip fix.

[RalphM6891 · Accepted solution]

Thank you SO much for all your help. I really appreciate it!