How to apply for Social Security survivor benefits for my 16yo niece who just lost her mom

I'm so sorry for your loss. You'll need to apply for survivor benefits for your niece as nothing is automatic - this needs to be done in person at your local SSA office. Bring your sister's death certificate, your niece's birth certificate, your sister's Social Security number, and your niece's Social Security card. The benefit is typically 75% of your sister's benefit amount. Make an appointment ASAP as there's a time limit - benefits can only be paid up to 6 months retroactively from application date. Also, since there's no father, make sure to mention that when applying, as it affects eligibility.

when my husband passed the school actually helped my kids get set up they had a guidance counselor who knew the process might want to check with your nieces school

As someone who's worked with survivor benefit cases, here's what you need to know: Your niece qualifies for benefits as a surviving child under 18. The monthly payment will be 75% of her mother's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). Key points: 1. Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment, but be prepared for long wait times 2. Required documents: death certificate, birth certificate showing parent-child relationship, SS cards for both mother and daughter, your ID and guardianship papers 3. Benefits can be paid retroactively for up to 6 months maximum 4. You'll need to set up a Representative Payee account since she's a minor 5. The benefits continue until she graduates high school or turns 19 (whichever comes first) Most common pitfall is missing the application deadline - there's no automatic enrollment, you must apply.

Went thru this with my nephew. Watch out for the Rep Payee requirement!!! They will make YOU the payee since she's a minor and you'll have to account for EVERY PENNY of how the money is spent on her. They can audit you and make you provide receipts. KEEP GOOD RECORDS or you'll regret it later!!!! They made my life hell when I couldn't produce a receipt from 8 months earlier for some school clothes. Ridiculous bureaucracy!!!

I discovered Claimyr when I was trying to reach SSA for my daughter's survivor benefits after my husband died. It actually got me through to a real person at Social Security in about 15 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me so much time and frustration during an already difficult period. You can schedule the in-person appointment once you get through to someone on the phone.

I'm so sorry about your sister. When my mom died last year, my younger brother (17) went through this process. One thing I didn't see mentioned yet - if your niece has a job/income, be aware there are earnings limits that could reduce her benefits if she makes too much. In 2025, I think the limit is around $22,000 per year before they start reducing benefits. Also, make sure you're updating SSA if your address changes or if her school status changes. The benefits should continue until she graduates high school or turns 19, whichever happens first.

One more IMPORTANT thing - if she gets a large back payment (which is likely if it's been a month already), be careful about how it's managed. That money is HERS but as Rep Payee you control it. If you put it in a savings account and it goes over $2000 it could affect eligibility for other benefits like Medicaid. The rules are STUPID COMPLICATED and they don't explain them well!!

my daughter got survivors benefits when she was 14 after her dad died they were really helpful it paid for most of her expenses until she graduated make sure you go in person and bring all the documents they ask for or they'll make you come back again

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. I used the Claimyr service mentioned above and actually got through to schedule an appointment for next week! I've gathered all the documents mentioned and will be setting up a separate account for tracking her benefit funds. One last question - will these benefits affect her eligibility for college financial aid? She's planning to apply to colleges next year.