Survivor Benefits in Staten Island

Survivor benefits are a form of Social Security payments made to the spouse and children of someone who died and was eligible for Social Security benefits. In the event of an unexpected death, these benefits can help provide financial support to loved ones.

To discuss your eligibility for survivor benefits or file an application, speak with a knowledgeable elder law attorney. A Staten Island survivor benefits lawyer can help you determine if you qualify based on your age and relationship to the deceased. Louis P. Lepore can assist you with filing the necessary paperwork to obtain benefits you are entitled to.

Eligibility for Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefits are a reduced rate SSDI benefit paid to the surviving spouse or other surviving dependents of a beneficiary. It may also include the deceased’s elderly disabled parents if they were dependents. A widow or widower gets full social security benefits at their respective retirement age, but they are eligible for a reduced benefit at 75% when they are 60. Survivor benefits apply strictly to Social Security Disability benefits.

Only certain relatives are eligible to apply for survivor benefits. Surviving spouses must be at least 60 years old to receive full benefits. If they are younger than 60, they may receive reduced benefits until they reach age 62. Children under the age of 18 are generally eligible for survivor benefits. Adult children who are disabled or have been disabled since childhood may also qualify to receive survivor benefits.

For more information, contact a Staten Island survivor benefits attorney to discuss eligibility or application requirements.

Application for Survivor Benefits

Applicants must provide documentation of the deceased person’s Social Security number, date of death, and proof of their relationship to the applicant to apply for survivor benefits. Depending on the applicant’s relationship to the deceased beneficiary, they may be entitled to the following types of survivor benefits:

• Widow benefits are paid to surviving spouses.
• Widow’s benefits for disabled adult children are paid to surviving spouses with disabled adult children
• Parent’s benefits are paid to parents who were caring for a deceased child who was receiving or would have been eligible for child’s benefits
• Child’s benefits are paid to children under the age of 18 or to adult children who are disabled or have been disabled since childhood

The application can be found by visiting either the Social Security Administration website or a local office. The specific eligibility requirements and benefit amounts can vary on a case-by-case basis. An attorney in Staten Island has more information about applying for survivor benefits.

Speak to a Staten Island Lawyer About Survivor Benefits

If you recently lost a loved one, a Staten Island survivor benefits lawyer can help you obtain the benefits you deserve. Losing a spouse or parent is difficult no matter the circumstances and obtaining survivor benefits can help reduce the financial burden during this difficult time.

Louis Lepore can review your claim, prepare an application for survivor benefits, and ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation.