Social Security Benefits

When you die, your family may be eligible for benefits based on your work.

Family members who can collect benefits include a widow or widower who is:

60 or older; or
50 or older and disabled; or
Any age if he or she is caring for your child who is younger than 16 or disabled and entitled to Social Security benefits on your record.

Your children can receive benefits, too, if they are unmarried and:

Younger than 18 years old; or
Between 18 and 19 years old, but in an elementary or secondary school as full-time students; or
Age 18 or older and severely disabled (the disability must have started before age 22).

Additionally, your parents can receive benefits on your earnings if they were dependent on you for at least half of their support.

For more information, you can visit the social security website at www.ssa.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213