Widows and Widowers Benefits Lawyers in Los Angeles Helping You Get Through a Difficult Time
Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult things that a person can go through. Not only are you grieving the loss of the most important person in your life, but you are also facing all of the logistical and financial challenges that come with being a widow or widower. Thankfully, there are widows and widowers benefits available to help you through this difficult time. Hiring a widows and widowers benefits lawyer in Los Angeles is an important start to your new journey.
At Roeschke Law, LLC, our team of compassionate and experienced attorneys has helped many people obtain the widows and widowers benefits they need to get through this tough time. We understand how overwhelming this process can be, which is why we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at (310) 906-2556 and see what we can do to get you the social security survivor benefits you’re entitled to.
How Much Is a Widow Entitled To?
Widows or widowers benefits are payments made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to individuals who have lost a spouse. These survivor benefits can help to replace some of the lost income and can provide financial support during this difficult time. To be eligible for these benefits, you must have been married to your deceased spouse for at least nine months prior to their death. You must also be at least 60 years old, or 50 years old if your spouse died due to a work-related injury.
If you have recently lost a spouse, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what the future holds. However, widows or widowers benefits can provide some financial stability during this difficult time.
The amount of widows or widowers benefits you are entitled to will depend on how much your deceased spouse paid into Social Security. Generally, the higher the amount they paid in Social Security taxes, the higher your benefit will be. You can expect to receive between 71 and 99 percent of your late spouse’s Social Security benefit.
Do You Get Your Spouse’s Social Security Benefits If They Die?
In some cases, you may be entitled to your spouse’s Social Security benefits even if they have not yet retired. For example, if your spouse dies while working and paying into Social Security, you may be able to receive survivor benefits that are equal to their benefit.
When a spouse dies, the surviving spouse may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. The amount of the benefit is based on the deceased spouse’s earnings history. To be eligible, the survivor must be at least 60 years old (50 if disabled) and must not have remarried before age 60 (50 if disabled).
The survivor benefit is generally equal to the deceased spouse’s benefit that they would have been entitled to receive at full retirement age. For example, if the deceased spouse was entitled to a $1,000 monthly benefit at full retirement age, the survivor would also be entitled to a $1,000 monthly benefit. The survivor benefit can be as high as 100% of the deceased spouse’s basic Social Security benefit.
In addition to the survivor benefit, the surviving spouse may also be eligible for a one-time death payment from Social Security. The death payment is a lump sum of $255 that is paid to help with funeral expenses. To qualify for the death payment, the deceased person must have worked long enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits.
How Long Can a Surviving Spouse Get Benefits For?
In most cases, widows and widowers benefits will last until the beneficiary reaches retirement age. At that point, the beneficiary will begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits instead. However, there are some circumstances in which the benefits may end sooner. For example, if the beneficiary remarries, they will no longer be eligible for widows or widowers benefits.
Why Should I Hire a Widows Attorney?
Many people choose to hire an attorney when they are seeking widows or widowers benefits. While you are not required to have an attorney, there are many benefits to having one on your side.
For example, an attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case. They can also help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you meet all of the deadlines. In addition, an attorney can negotiate with the Social Security Administration on your behalf.
Hiring an attorney can give you peace of mind during this difficult time. At Roeschke Law, LLC, we are here to help. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to help you get the widows or widowers benefits you need and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at (310) 906-2556.
