Survivor′s Benefit

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What is Survivor′s Benefit

Survivor’s Benefit is paid to the qualified survivors of a deceased insured person. Survivors’ Benefit is paid in the form of a Pension or a Grant.

The Survivor’s Benefit is paid in the form of a:

  1. Pension
  2. Grant

Effective January 2009, If you qualify for a Survivor’s benefit, and you are in receipt and/or qualify for an Invalidity or Age benefit you will receive the Invalidity or Age benefit and half of the Survivor’s benefit.

Qualifying for Survivor’s Benefit

To qualify for Survivor’s Benefit, you must be:

  • A Widow* of the deceased person
  • A Widower* of the deceased person
  • The children of a deceased insured person (a child under the age of 15 years and if in full-time education under the age of 21).

*Husband and wife or a single man living with a single woman in the same household for at least 3 years (proof is required).

Survivor’s Pension

To qualify for a Survivor’s Pension, the deceased insured person must have paid at least 250 contributions (5 years).

Pensions are calculated at the following:

  • A widow or widower Survivor’s Pension is calculated at 2/3 of the Age Pension earned up to the death of the insured person.
  • An orphan’s pension is calculated at 2/3 of the widow/widower Survivor’s pension.
  • Children’s pension is calculated at 1/3 of the widow/widower Survivor’s Pension.

Survivor’s Grant

To qualify for a Survivor’s Grant, The deceased insured person must have paid at least 50 contributions (1 year) but less than 250 contributions (5 years).

Grants are calculated at the following:

  • A widow or widower Survivor’s Grant is calculated at 2/3 of the Age Grant earned up to the death of the insured person.
  • An orphan’s grant is calculated at 2/3 of the widow/widower Survivor’s Grant.
  • Children’s grant is calculated at 1/3 of the widow/widower Survivor’s Grant.

How to Claim for Survivor’s Benefit

Complete and submit the Survivor’s Benefit Claim Formto the Social Security Office within 3 months of the death.

Attach the following documents:

  1. Death Certificate
  2. Birth Certificates of all beneficiaries
  3. If a child is over 15 years, a letter from the principal of the educational institution verifying that the child is attending full-time

Note

*A claim for Survivor’s Benefit must be filed with 3 months from the death of the qualified person.

*Insured persons who have met the qualifying contribution conditions will receive Survivor’s Benefit wherever in the world they are.