31 Jan I collect disability. What benefit will my wife get when I die?

Q. I collect Social Security Disability. When I die, will my wife collect the same amount I currently collect?
— Husband

A. It’s sweet that you want to plan ahead for your wife.

Your spouse may qualify for a survivor’s benefit when you pass.

She would be eligible based on your lifetime earning history, said Jody D’Agostini, a certified financial planner with Equitable Advisors/The Falcon Financial Group in Morristown..

First, she would need to notify Social Security directly to report the death at (800) 772-1213.

You cannot apply online for this benefit, D’Agostini said.

“The monthly benefit will change from Social Security Disability to a survivor’s benefit. Social Security will check to see if your spouse’s benefit is higher than what you are currently receiving,” she said. “She can also receive a special lump sum death benefit of $255.”

As a widow, she could receive the survivor benefit as early as age 60, D’Agostini said. She can switch to their own benefit as early as age 62 or wait and accrue delayed credits.

“She also can collect benefits if she is caring for a child under the age of 16,” she said. “If you have unmarried children who are under the age of 18 or up until the age of 19 if still enrolled in full-time school, they also are eligible for a Social Security benefit when you die.”

There is, however, a maximum family payment which is generally between 150% to 180% of the basic benefit amount, she said.

So the first step is to contact Social Security, which can detail the benefits based on her specific situation.

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This story was originally published on Jan. 31, 2022.

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