Jun
20
2011
By Guest (not verified)
My mom and dad have been married for 65 years and my dad passed away. Both were receiving SS checks. Does my mom still get a % of my dad's SS check?
Already receiving retirement benefits when spouse passes away
If you are getting benefits as a wife or husband based on your spouse's work, when you report the death to the SSA, they will change your payments to survivors benefits. If they need more information, they will contact you.
If you are getting benefits based on your own work, call or visit the SSA, and they will check to see if you can get more money as a widow or widower. If so, you will receive a combination of benefits that equals the higher amount. You will need to complete an application to switch to survivors benefits, and they will need to see your spouse's death certificate.
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10084.html#2