Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz recently shared his personal story at the Democratic National Convention, highlighting the importance of Social Security survivor benefits in helping his family navigate through difficult times. After his father passed away when he was just 19, leaving a significant amount of medical debt behind, Walz emphasized how these benefits provided his family, including his mother and younger brother, with the means to “live with dignity.” This acknowledgment sheds light on the crucial role that Social Security survivor benefits play in supporting families during times of hardship.
According to recent data from the Social Security Administration, approximately 3.7 million children in the United States receive Social Security survivor benefits. These benefits are available to children who meet specific criteria, such as being unmarried and under the age of 18, attending school full-time in grades 12 or below, or having a disability that began before turning 22. In the unfortunate event of a parent’s death, the agency estimates that 98 out of 100 children could be eligible for these benefits, which are determined based on the earnings of the deceased parent. The average monthly benefit for surviving children is $1,103, with over 2 million children currently receiving these checks.
Despite the availability of Social Security survivor benefits, many families are unaware of their eligibility for this financial support. Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley expressed concern that a significant number of orphaned children in the U.S. are not accessing the benefits they are entitled to, potentially leading to increased financial strain. Joyal Mulheron, founder of Evermore, emphasized the importance of bridging this gap to ensure that children in need are not overlooked and deprived of essential support. Efforts are being made by the Social Security Administration to identify these families and implement targeted strategies to raise awareness and facilitate access to benefits.
To address this issue, the Social Security Administration has initiated various initiatives, including sending informational letters to households with potential applicants, establishing a dedicated web page on survivor benefits, and collaborating with states and communities to enhance awareness. In Utah, for example, a checkbox has been added to death reporting forms to signal the presence of minor children who may be eligible for benefits. It is crucial to streamline the application process and make it more accessible, especially for families facing unique challenges such as language barriers, immigration issues, or administrative hurdles.
When a parent passes away, funeral directors may guide families to the Social Security Administration, where they can learn about the available benefits, including a $255 lump sum death benefit. However, there are instances where families may not fully understand their entitlements or encounter difficulties in navigating the application process. It is essential for families to be proactive in seeking information and assistance to ensure that children receive the benefits they are eligible for. By making applications for children’s benefits more user-friendly and accessible online, the Social Security Administration can further empower families to access the support they need.
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face. By raising awareness about Social Security survivor benefits and enhancing the accessibility of the application process, we can ensure that no child is left behind. It is imperative for families, advocates, and policymakers to work together in supporting vulnerable children and safeguarding their well-being. If you believe that you or someone you know may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, do not hesitate to reach out to the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Let’s come together to unlock the benefits that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children across the country.