Social Security survivor benefits for young child (5) and unmarried partner - what happens when I die?

Your son will definitely get survivor benefits until he's 18, or 19 if he's still in high school full-time. The amount would actually increase from the current child's benefit he gets now (usually going from 50% of your Primary Insurance Amount to 75%). As for his mother - if you're not married, she would not qualify for any benefits based on your record. However, if you get married, she could potentially qualify for mother's benefits while caring for your child under age 16. She would also potentially qualify for widow's benefits later when she reaches retirement age. The marriage would need to have lasted at least 9 months for her to qualify for any benefits (with some exceptions).

I think the child benefits end at 16 not 18. My nephew lost his when he turned 16 after my brother died.

To clarify a few points about survivor benefits that others have mentioned: 1. Your son would receive 75% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) until age 18 (or 19 if still in high school). 2. If you marry your partner now, she could receive mother's benefits (75% of your PIA) until your son turns 16. This benefit stops when the child turns 16, not 18. 3. If married, she would also qualify for widow's benefits as early as age 60, but these would be reduced if claimed before her Full Retirement Age. 4. There's a Family Maximum that would limit the total benefits paid to your survivors - typically between 150% and 180% of your PIA. 5. The marriage duration requirement is 9 months, with some exceptions (like accidental death). Also be aware that if your partner works while receiving mother's benefits, the earnings limit would apply and could reduce those benefits.

The Family Maximum calculation is more complex than just 150% of your benefit. It's based on a formula using your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount). With your $2,100 benefit, the family max would likely be around $3,700-$3,900 (roughly 175-185% of your PIA). So if both your son and his mother were eligible, they would receive: - Son: 75% of your PIA (about $1,575) - Mother: 75% of your PIA (about $1,575) until son turns 16 That's a total of $3,150, which falls under the likely family maximum. However, if the calculated total exceeds the family maximum, their individual benefits would be proportionally reduced.

My husband passed 3 years ago and my daughter gets survivors and I DID get the mother's benefit until she turned 16 last month. They just suddenly stopped, which was hard financially. Just want to confirm what others said - the child gets benefits until 18/19 but the mother only until the child is 16. Definitely recommend getting married if you want her to have any benefits.

You have to apply! They don't automatically start anything. I had to take his death certificate and our marriage certificate to the SSA office. Also took my daughter's birth certificate and our social security cards. Do it as soon as possible after the death because they only pay retroactive for 6 months.

I've been helping my sister deal with SS after her husband died last year, and getting through to SSA on the phone was IMPOSSIBLE. Busy signals, disconnections, hours on hold. She finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got her connected to a real person at SSA in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Just passing this along since surviving family members usually need to call SSA multiple times, and the regular phone system is frustrating. Having your partner and child get their entitled benefits without delays is important.

hey maybe off topic but just wondering, since your much older than your partner has she worked enough to qualify for her own ss retirement? because if she hasn't worked much and you get married she could get 50% of your retirement benefit when she reaches retirement age, even if your deceased. something to think about!!!

Correct - if you get married, she would have options when she reaches retirement age: 1. Widow's benefit - up to 100% of your benefit amount if she waits until her Full Retirement Age (67 for someone born in 1984) 2. Her own retirement benefit based on her work record She could take the higher of the two. And she could even claim the widow's benefit as early as age 60 (at a reduced rate), then switch to her own benefit later if it would be higher. But remember, for her to qualify for widow's benefits, you would need to be married for at least 9 months before your passing (with some exceptions).

Not to be morbid but with a 27 year age gap you should DEFINITELY get married ASAP if you want her to qualify for anything!!! The 9 month marriage requirement is really important here. My aunt missed out on thousands because her husband died 7 months after they got married!!!

One more thing to consider: If you do get married and something happens to you shortly after, the 9-month marriage duration requirement can be waived in certain circumstances, such as: - If death was accidental - If death was while serving as a member of a uniformed service on active duty - If you were previously married to each other and the prior marriage lasted at least 9 months Just FYI so your partner knows her options in a worst-case scenario.

This is such an important topic to plan for, and I'm glad you're thinking ahead for your family's security. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like marriage would significantly improve your partner's financial situation if something happens to you. One thing I'd add - since you mentioned the SSA website is confusing (and it really is!), you might want to schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office to discuss your specific situation. They can walk you through the exact benefit amounts and timing based on your actual earnings record. You can also ask about other planning strategies, like whether there are any advantages to when you might get married relative to benefit calculations. Also, don't forget to consider other estate planning beyond just Social Security - life insurance, wills, etc. An estate planning attorney could help ensure your son and partner are fully protected. Your local Area Agency on Aging might have free or low-cost legal clinics that could help with this. Wishing you and your family the best as you work through these important decisions!

For your SSA appointment, you'll want to bring your Social Security card, your son's birth certificate and Social Security card, and any documentation of your current benefits. If you decide to get married beforehand, bring the marriage certificate too. You can actually schedule appointments online at ssa.gov or call ahead - it's much better than just walking in. For estate planning, definitely update your will and consider life insurance if you don't have enough coverage. Since your son is only 5, you'll want to name a guardian and set up a trust if the life insurance payout is substantial. Many states have free legal aid societies that help with basic estate planning, or your local bar association might have referral services for affordable attorneys. One more tip - if you do get married soon, make sure to update your beneficiary information on any retirement accounts, life insurance policies, etc. Social Security is just one piece of the financial security puzzle for your family.