Social Security Survivor Benefits in Aurora, Colorado
Social Security survivor benefits in Aurora, Colorado provide monthly payments to family members of deceased workers. This guide covers 2026 eligibility, benefit amounts for widows, widowers, and dependents, and the application process.
Who Is Eligible
Survivor benefits may be paid to a widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled), a surviving spouse at any age caring for the deceased's child under 16 or disabled, unmarried children under 18 (19 if in high school), disabled children who became disabled before age 22, and dependent parents age 62 or older. A divorced spouse may qualify if the marriage lasted 10 or more years. Remarriage after age 60 does not affect eligibility.
Benefit Amounts
Survivor benefit amounts are based on the deceased worker's earnings record. A widow or widower at full retirement age receives 100% of the deceased's benefit. At age 60, the benefit is 71.5% to 99%. A surviving spouse with a child under 16 receives 75%. Each child receives 75%. A one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 is paid to a surviving spouse or eligible child. Family maximum benefits typically range from 150% to 180% of the worker's benefit.
When to Claim
Timing your survivor benefit claim is important. You can claim as early as age 60 (50 if disabled), but benefits are reduced for early claiming. Waiting until your full retirement age provides the maximum survivor benefit. If you are also entitled to your own retirement benefit, you may be able to claim one benefit first and switch to the other later to maximize lifetime income. Consult Social Security for the best claiming strategy.
Applying for Survivor Benefits
Apply for survivor benefits by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office. You cannot apply online. Documents needed include the death certificate, your Social Security number and the deceased's, your birth certificate, marriage certificate, dependent children's birth certificates, the deceased's most recent W-2 or tax return, and your bank account information for direct deposit.
Special Situations
Several special rules apply to survivor benefits. If you receive your own Social Security retirement benefit, you will receive the higher of the two benefits (not both). Government Pension Offset (GPO) may reduce survivor benefits if you receive a government pension from work not covered by Social Security. Veterans' benefits, workers' compensation, and private pensions generally do not reduce survivor benefits. Contact Social Security for guidance on your specific situation.
Need Help?
Finding the right benefits and care options can be complex. Talk to our AI guide for personalized assistance, or explore our other resources to learn more about programs available in Aurora, Colorado.