How long after a fathers death does it take for wife and children to start recieving social security?

Question

If a father dies, how long does it take for wife and kids to start recieving social security benefits? Is it an indefinite waiting process like waiting for a social security disability hearing?

Answer 1

Go down to the Social Security office and fill out the applications, you will need ID for wife, birth certificates and SS #'s (cards) for the children, the death certificate as well. They ask you questions and fill the app. out on the computer for each of you. When you are done the person there should be able to tell you about how long to wait and if it looks like you will qualify or not and about how much each will receive. It really is pretty easy and doesn't take long. I am sorry you have need to find this answer. Good luck. I hope this helps.

P.S. I applied shortly after my husband passed away (like 2 1/2 weeks) and in less than a month I received my conformation letters and first payments.

Answer 2

No. I'm not sure of how long, but it would not be an indefinite wait. If the father paid into social security, then the children are eligible for social security. You have to apply. Check with them. Perhaps something got misplaced.

Answer 3

It will take about a month or half a month. It does take some waiting but it takes less time then a social security disability hearing. Sorry about the father's death.

Answer 4

SSI has nothing to do with survivor's benefits, so the man's former SSI status is irrelevant. Social Security survivor's benefits are based upon how much money the deceased person paid into Social Security during their years at work. There is a minimum threshold of workplace contributions that must be met to qualify for these benefits. In your family's case, the deceased person did not work enough years to establish Social Security benefits for his survivors. That's too bad, but you can apply for state welfare or food stamps if you are having trouble supporting the children

Answer 5

you have to go sign up for it i believe.. then they can tell you. but it shouldnt take longer then a month i would think.. you would have to take fathers death certificate as well as the kids birth cert. call your local social security office in your town or county.. good luck

Answer 6

You must go and apply for it at a Soc Sec office. Then it should only take 2 - 3 weeks.

Answer 7

as soon as the death certificate is released social security benefits will start.

Answer 8

As with everything else in life...it depends. Each case has variables that prevent anyone from predicting when the checks will start. Call your local SS office.

Answer 9

It shouldn't take long unless there is a debate on benefits...make lots of calls sorry for your loss

Answer 10

it took about 3 to 4 months for my mom to get it