What's the Rule on Survivor Benefits

[reybo]

When husband and wife are both seniors on SS and the one with the greater SS check dies, does the survivor receive that check instead of the lower one? And how does one advise SSA of the situation?

[Taxing Matters]

When husband and wife are both seniors on SS and the one with the greater SS check dies, does the survivor receive that check instead of the lower one? And how does one advise SSA of the situation?

When you are also receiving benefits on your own account, you have a choice to take the survivor's benefits instead of your own retirement benefits if the survivor's benefits are higher than your retirement benefits. You get either the survivor benefits or your own retirement benefit, but not both. SSA addresses this on its If You Are The Survivor page.

[adjusterjack]

This should answer your first question:

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyou.html#h6

As for your second question, that's easy, you phone or visit your local SSA office. You'll be told what documentation you need.

[reybo]

Many thanks. That clears it up. I should have certified copies of the death certificate in a few days. Anecdotally, back in 2004 when my mother died at 3:30 am on her SS check day, SS took back the deposit instantly - that day. The DC showed she had survived into the payment day and was entitled to it. That was December. SS returned the money in June.

[paddywakk]

When my mother passed we were required to return her last payment to SS too.

[Mercy&Grace]

Your check as a Survivor should be more than the amount he received monthly.