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In addition to retirement and SSDI benefits provided by the Social Security Administration, certain Americans may also be eligible to collect survivors’ benefits.
These payments are based on the work record of a deceased individual, typically a retired worker.
While retirement benefits require individuals to have worked for at least ten years and earned 40 work credits, survivors do not need to have a prior work history to qualify.
Eligibility for Survivor Benefits
Survivors’ benefits are available to a range of individuals, including widows, dependent children, and in some cases, the parents of deceased workers.
Each group has its own average payment amount, and eligibility requirements can differ depending on the relationship to the deceased.
- Widows and Widowers: These individuals can qualify for benefits based on their deceased spouse’s work record.
- Children of Deceased Workers: Dependent children of a deceased worker can also qualify for survivor payments.
- Parents: In some cases, parents who relied on the deceased worker for financial support may be eligible for Social Security benefits.
It’s important to note that when a retired worker passes away, their spouse or children may also qualify for a lump-sum payment of $255, which is a standard provision.
Survivor Benefits: Payment Dates
$1,566 Social Security Payment on July 16
If you started receiving Social Security survivor benefits after April 30, 1997, your payment will occur on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month.
The exact payment date is determined by your birth date. If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, you will receive your payment on the first Wednesday of the month.
For those born between the 11th and 20th, you will receive your payment on July 16, 2025. Payments are made either through paper checks or direct deposit.
However, it’s important to note that paper checks will be phased out, as a new law mandates that all federal payments will be electronic by September 30, 2025.
Survivors Receiving Payments on July 23
For survivors who began collecting benefits after April 30, 1997, and whose birthdays fall between the 21st and 31st of the month, payments will be made on July 23, 2025.
It’s worth remembering that these payments can take up to three mailing days to reach you. Additionally, financial institutions may take longer to process payments.
Therefore, if you haven’t received your payment after three days, it’s advisable to contact your bank before reaching out to the Social Security Administration.
Average Payment Amounts for Survivors
The average Social Security survivor payment for all recipients is $1,566.66. However, the amount varies based on the type of survivor:
- Children of Deceased Workers: These individuals receive an average payment of $1,139.18.
- Widowed Mothers and Fathers: This group receives an average payment of $1,314.10.
- Nondisabled Widow(er)s: These survivors receive the highest average payment of $1,863.71.
- Disabled Widow(er)s: This group receives an average payment of $953.73.
- Parents of Deceased Workers: Parents who relied on the deceased worker for financial support can receive an average of $1,697.90.
Social Security survivor benefits provide crucial financial support to families who have lost a loved one. Whether you are a widow, dependent child, or even a parent, it is important to understand your eligibility and the payment schedule.
By following the guidelines for payment dates, you can ensure that you receive the support you deserve in a timely manner.
FAQs
When will I receive my survivor benefits if I was born between the 11th and 20th?
You will receive your survivor benefits on July 16, 2025, as per your birth date schedule.
What is the average amount of survivor benefits for a nondisabled widow?
The average survivor payment for a nondisabled widow is approximately $1,863.71.
Will paper checks still be issued for survivor benefits after September 2025?
No, all federal payments, including survivor benefits, will be electronic starting September 30, 2025.