Survivor Benefits
Eligibility and Rules for Parent Survivor Benefits under Social Security
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 11, 2026
The short answer
Parent Survivor Benefits are Social Security payments to a surviving parent of a deceased worker who died fully insured. To qualify, the parent must be at least 62 years old, must not have married after the worker's death, and should demonstrate that they received at least half of their support from the worker.
Eligibility Requirements for Parent Survivor Benefits
To be eligible for Parent Survivor Benefits, the applicant must be the parent of a deceased worker who died fully insured. The parent must have attained the age of 62. It is also required that the parent has filed an application for these benefits and provided proof of receiving at least half of their support from the deceased worker at the applicable times described in RS 00209.001.
RS 00209.001 View source ›Conditions Preventing Entitlement
A parent will be precluded from receiving Parent Survivor Benefits if they are found guilty of the felonious homicide of the worker or if the Railroad Retirement Board has jurisdiction over the claim.
RS 00209.001 View source ›Payment Provisions for Parent Survivor Benefits
For entitlement on one child's earnings record, a single parent's benefit rate equals 82.5% of the worker's primary insurance amount (PIA), while if two parents are entitled, each parent receives 75% of the worker's PIA.
RS 00209.015 View source ›Frequently asked
What are Parent Survivor Benefits under Social Security?
Parent Survivor Benefits are payments to a parent of a deceased, fully insured worker, providing financial support if certain conditions are met.
How can a parent qualify for survivor benefits?
To qualify, a parent must be at least 62 years old, demonstrate dependency on the deceased insured worker, and must not have married after the worker's death, among other requirements.
How is the benefit amount for Parent Survivor Benefits determined?
If one parent is entitled, they may receive 82.5% of the deceased worker's PIA. If two parents are entitled, each may receive 75% of the worker's PIA.
Are there any circumstances that disqualify a parent from receiving these benefits?
Yes, if a parent is convicted of the worker's felonious homicide, or if the Railroad Retirement Board has jurisdiction over the claim, entitlement is precluded.
Is there a marriage prohibition for receiving Parent Survivor Benefits?
Yes, a parent must not have married after the worker's death to remain eligible for benefits.