How to apply for Social Security survivor benefits for grandchildren after son's death

I'm very sorry for your loss. Your grandchildren are likely eligible for survivor benefits. Their mother (your ex-daughter-in-law) should be the one to apply since she has custody. She'll need to call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment, as survivor applications can't be done fully online. Documents needed include: death certificate, children's birth certificates, your son's Social Security number, and possibly his most recent W-2 or tax return. The children could each receive up to 75% of your son's basic Social Security benefit, though there's a family maximum limit that might reduce this amount. The benefits can continue until they turn 18 (or 19 if still in high school).

So sorry about ur son. When my sisters husband died last yr she had to bring ALL THE THINGS to SS office. birth certs, marriage cert, death cert, ssn cards for everyone, school records for the kids. Be prepared for a looooong wait even with appointment!!! The money is retro to when you apply so tell her NOT TO WAIT!!!

I went through this exact situation when my daughter passed away two years ago, leaving behind three kids. Your ex-daughter-in-law needs to gather all documentation and make an appointment ASAP! The process is incredibly frustrating - I spent WEEKS trying to get through on the SSA phone line and kept getting disconnected or told to call back later. The offices were still partially closed due to COVID protocols back then, which made everything 10x harder. Eventually I discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual SSA agent within 30 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. It was the only way I could finally get appointments scheduled for my grandkids' applications. Once we finally got the applications submitted, the benefits started coming about 6 weeks later. The kids each got around $1,250 monthly which has been absolutely essential.

Sorry for your loss. One important point: if your ex-daughter-in-law has significant income, it won't affect the children's benefits. The custodial parent's earnings don't count against the children's survivor benefits. However, if the children themselves have income (unlikely at their ages), that could potentially affect things. Also, make sure your ex-daughter-in-law understands that she'll be the "representative payee" for the kids and will need to complete an annual accounting form showing how the benefits were used for the children's needs. The funds must be used for the children's food, housing, education, medical needs, etc.

I just want to join in saying how sorry I am about the loss of your son. I can't even imagine. My husband's brother died last year leaving 3 kids behind and dealing with SSA was a nightmare on top of all the grief. The backlog is insane. One thing no one mentioned - there might also be a one-time death benefit of $255 that someone can claim (usually goes to the spouse, but might be available for the kids if there was no spouse). It's not much but every bit helps when you're dealing with funeral costs on top of everything else.

Do the kids live in the same state where your son worked? My cousins kids had problems because he worked in New Jersey but the kids lived with their mom in Florida. Something about different processing centers caused delays. Just something to watch out for.

BTW dont let anyone tell u that the kids have to wait til she applies for her own widow benefits!!! Thats wrong!!! The kids can get benefits even if mom never applies for anything herself!! My sisters case worker tried to tell her that and it was a LIE!!!!

Just a follow-up on timing since you asked: There is a slight retroactivity allowed. Benefits can be paid retroactively for up to six months from the date of application. However, benefits cannot start before the month of the wage earner's death. So your ex-daughter-in-law hasn't missed out on anything yet, but it's still best to apply as soon as possible to start the process rolling. Also, the Social Security office might be able to help with expediting the application if they explain the financial hardship the children are experiencing after losing their father's income. Not guaranteed, but sometimes they can prioritize cases with demonstrated urgent need.

My condolences on your loss. Dont forget that if youre helping financially with the grandkids, make sure to document everything in case you can claim them as dependents on your taxes. Might want to talk to a tax person about that situation.