Social Security Payments
Social Security monthly benefits are paid to a spouse or a divorced spouse, age
60 or over; a spouse or divorced spouse regardless of age with children of the decedent under age 16 or disabled
in their care and meeting social security requirements. A divorced spouse must have been married to the service
member at least 10 years. Monthly payments are also paid to children until age 18 or 19 if a full-time student
at a primary or secondary school, or age 18 or older and disabled before age 18. Spouses waiting until age 65 to
apply for Social Security receive maximum benefits. However, they can receive reduced Social Security payments
between ages 60 and 65. Dependent parents are eligible for benefits at age 62 if they were more than 50 percent
dependent on the deceased service member for their support. The amount paid can only be determined by the Social
Security Administration, which has a record of the wages earned by the member during the period of both military
and civilian employment under the Social Security Program. To receive this benefit, eligible survivors
should make application through the nearest Social Security office. They will explain the benefit, determine your
eligibility, the amounts that can be paid, and help you complete the required claim forms. You should apply early,
as the law generally permits retroactive payments of 12 months.
