What Social Security Benefits Are Available for Survivors of Young Workers? The SSA determines disability benefits on the basis of a medical records review. They also provide valuable benefits for survivors of young workers.
MOS: Medical Record Review Service 8596 E. 101st Street, Suite H Tulsa, OK 74133
Social Security to most Americans is a government program for older people who retire or become disabled (disability benefits are paid on the basis of a medical records review to evaluate the impairment); or a program that compensates elderly people who have lost their spouses. Many of us may not know that this beneficial program also provides valuable benefits for survivors of very young workers. The eligibility rules are more relaxed, taking into account their short careers. The “Credit” System to Determine Eligibility For retirement, survivor or disability benefits to be paid to a worker or his/her family, he/she must be insured under the Social Security program before retirement. Every worker earns a quarter of coverage or “credit” for a fixed amount of work covered under Social Security, and workers can earn up to a maximum of four credits per year. For the year 2017, one quarter of coverage is given for every $1,300 earned under the SS system, irrespective of when the money is earned in the course of the year. A person who earns at least $5,200 in 2017 would receive a maximum of 4 credits of coverage. • • •
The age of the worker at the time of his/her death is the factor that decides the number of credits required to provide benefits for their survivors. The younger a person is, the fewer credits they must have for survivors to receive benefits. Survivors are eligible for benefits if the worker after age 21 worked for at least one and one-half years during the 3 years before death. If a young person accrued at least 6 credits of coverage before his untimely death, there would be some benefit amount available for his/her surviving spouse and child.
Widow’s Benefits Widow’s benefits typically begin as early as age 60, (age 50 if the person is disabled). However, a widow of any age who is caring for a child under age 16 is eligible to receive benefits worth 75% of the deceased parent’s benefit until the child turns 18 (age 19 if still in high school). The mother and child together could receive 150% of the father’s social security benefit. If the family is a large one, survivor benefits could be limited by the maximum family amount that varies. Typically, it is equal to about 150% to 180% of the basic benefit rate. In case the total benefits payable to the family exceeds this limit, the benefits will be reduced proportionately. So, can a working young widow receive survivor benefits? The young widow would be subject to earnings restrictions just as any other person who receives any type of SS benefit before full retirement age. For the current year, she would forfeit one dollar in benefits for
www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com
(800) 670 2809
every two dollars earned above $16,920. This young widow’s earnings would not however, reduce the child’s survivor benefits. The Special Lump-sum Payment Subject to certain requirements, a surviving spouse who was living in the same household with the worker when he/she died, or his/her child could receive a special lump-sum death payment of $255. • •
This lump-sum amount is paid to the child / children, if there is no eligible surviving spouse. The spouse or child should not be receiving any benefits, and must apply within 2 years of the date of the worker’s death.
Special Insured Status for Young Disabled Workers A “special insured status” is granted to workers who are disabled before the age of 31. This is an abbreviated qualification period. To qualify for disability benefits for themselves and their family, the worker below age 31 must have accumulated social security-covered credits in at least half of the calendar quarters since turning 21 years of age. Subject to family maximum limits and earnings restrictions, minor dependent children below age 18 and a spouse of any age who is caring for the disabled worker’s child under age 16 are eligible for benefits worth 50% of the worker’s disability benefit amount. Social Security rules are complex, and changes are being made all the time. That is why hiring a social security lawyer makes perfect sense for applicants. Social security and disability lawyers utilize medical review services to quickly determine the value of the claims so that the applications can be filed on time. Claimants benefit from their lawyers’ knowledge regarding various types of social security benefits, and stand a better chance of getting the due benefits granted with efficient legal representation.
www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com
(800) 670 2809