Social Security Survivor Benefits for Parents

Can Parents Qualify for Social Security Survivor Benefits if Their Adult Child Dies?

The answer is Yes, if certain conditions are met. Parents of a deceased adult child are eligible for monthly survivor benefits if:

• They are age 62 or older,
• They relied on their adult child for at least half of their financial support, and
• The deceased child worked long enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits

In order to collect survivor benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), however, the surviving parents must:

1. Promptly notify SSA of the death and
2. Produce documentation to prove the above conditions are met.

“Documentation in these cases is critical,” according to Herndon Virginia Social Security lawyer Doug Landau.  “We frequently advise our clients to get multiple copies of Death Certificates, and to make extra copies of Birth Certificates and other important legal documents. While the Federal disability system has access to other Federal, State and local government computer records, having your paperwork in order can go a long way toward proving your case.” If you or someone you know has questions about Social Security Disability, a wrongful death case, fatal work accident claim, or Federal Social Security survivor benefits for parents, email or call Abrams Landau, Ltd. at once (703-796-9555).