Social Security Survival benefits for parents

[question everything]

My question is about survivor benefits. I have a family member who is widowed, and her late husband’s parents are still living. Are they eligible for survivor benefits?

They might be. But the rules are rather stringent.

This is a little-known piece of the Social Security survivor puzzle. Of course, surviving spouses, children and ex-spouses, in many instances, are eligible for these benefits. But help also is available to a surviving parent or parents.

The basics: The parent must be at least 62 years old and was receiving at least one-half of his or her financial support from the deceased son or daughter. One parent may receive 82.5% of the deceased individual’s full retirement benefit; if two parents are eligible, each may receive 75%.

To see all the rules governing this situation, visit the Social Security website (ssa.gov) and search for: Parent’s Benefits.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/social-security-questions-answered-11656624530 (subscription, and scroll to the bottom)