Several Americans who are recipients of Social Security benefits could see an increase in their monthly check-in, which will be an incredible rise in the figure that they will now receive. This will, however, not be open to every American. The bill, which was proposed by two Vermont lawmakers, Senators Peter Welch, and Bernie Sanders, would adjust benefits to ensure the costs incurred during the process of burying or cremating a loved one are covered by the state.
Who could be receiving an increase in their one-time check?
The increase in the one-time Social Security payment will not be open to every recipient of Social Security but will only be for you if you are a recipient of survivor benefits. The survivor benefits, which are capped at $255, could then potentially rise to $2,900 in the next year, a figure that will be more than a 100% increase in what was previously being received.
The survivor benefits are available for a surviving child, partner, ex-spouse, or parent of a person who was paying their social security taxes while they worked before they died, and upon their death, you will get a one-time lump sum payment that will help you cover the expenses of burying them.
Eligibility for receiving the payment
The payment eligibility was not only limited to being associated legally with the deceased who paid their social security taxes while they worked, as other criteria would also need to be satisfied before you can receive the payment. These criteria include the following:
Eligibility as a spouse:
- You were married to the deceased for at least 9 months before your spouse’s death.
- Are aged 60 or older, or age 50–59 if you have a disability.
- You did not remarry before age 60 (age 50 if you have a disability).
- You were an ex-spouse who was married to the deceased for at least 10 years, as well as some valid non-marital legal relationships may be eligible.
- You might be eligible regardless of age and how long you were married. For example, you are automatically eligible if you’re caring for a child of the person who died.
Eligibility as a child
- Children of someone who died may be eligible if they’re unmarried and are:
- You are aged 17 and younger, or
- You are aged 18-19 and in school (K–12) full-time, or
- Any age if they developed a disability at age 21 or younger.
- Under certain circumstances, we can also pay benefits to married children, stepchildren, adopted children, grandchildren, and stepgrandchildren.
Any of these conditions would see you be open to receiving the benefits, which could potentially increase to $2,900 if the bill is passed.
