LEGALLY SPEAKING
Survivor Benefits
by Amanda Roggenbuck

Nearly everyone has questions when they apply for survivor benefits; below is some of the information you will need to prepare your survivor benefit application.

When a relative dies ... what you need to know about survivors benefits:

You can apply by telephone or at any Social Security office. You will need either original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

The information we need includes:

• Proof of death - either from a funeral home or death certificate;
• Your social security number, as well as the deceased worker’s;
• Your birth certificate;
• Your marriage certificate, if you are a widow or widower;
• Your divorce papers, if you are applying as a divorced widow or widower;
• Dependent children’s social security numbers, if available and birth certificates;
• Deceased worker’s W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax return for the most recent year; and
• The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be deposited directly into your account.

As a retiree, what kind of benefits are payable to my survivors?

Monthly survivor benefits may be payable to any of the following:

• Your husband or wife, if you elected to provide a survivor benefit.
• Your ex-spouse, if you elected to provide a former spouse survivor annuity, or if the benefit was required by a court order.
• Your children. Benefits to children are payable until age 18. You do not have to elect the benefit for them.

A lump sum payment, covering the benefits you earned from the first of the month through the date of your death, may also be payable. This payment is generally made to a surviving spouse unless you requested payment to others in a Designation of Beneficiary.

The information in this article is not intended to serve as legal advice nor does it replace consulting a lawyer about your legal situation and questions.

We welcome your questions and comments. Please visit our Web site at www.roggenbuckandassociates.com, you can also e-mail us at aroggenbuck@roggenbuckandassociates.com. Our office is located at 6505 Main Street, Cass City, Michigan 48726. We can be reached via phone at 989-872-8881.