TERRE HAUTE — At the start of a new year, many folks like to take stock of their situation in life — work, health, finances, etc. But most of us avoid doing much thinking about death, or what it might mean for surviving loved ones. Still, wouldn’t you feel better knowing that, if you were no longer living, your family wouldn’t have to depend only on any life insurance or savings you might have? Of course you would.
So here are some basic facts that may interest you about Social Security survivors insurance.
If you are working and paying into Social Security, some of your Social Security taxes go toward survivors insurance. In fact, for most workers, the value of the survivors insurance under Social Security may be more than the value of any life insurance policy owned.
Who can receive survivors benefits based on your work? Your surviving husband or wife may be able to receive full benefits at his or her full retirement age. They also can choose to take reduced Survivors benefits as early as age 60. And, if your surviving spouse is disabled, benefits can begin as early as age 50.
Your minor children also can receive benefits if they are living with you and depend on you for income — as long as they are under 18 or disabled. And if your widow or widower is taking care of your child or children under age 16, then she or he may be eligible for benefits at any age.
So, the best life insurance plan may be one you already have but perhaps didn’t know about. Now that you do know, it’s easy to learn more.
For more information on widows, widowers and other survivors benefits, and to get an idea of just how much those survivors benefits might be, visit socialsecurity.gov and select “Survivors” at the top of the page.
Seniors
Social Security: Basic facts on survivors insurance
- Seniors
-
-
New definition places more seniors in poverty category
A Terre Haute woman in her mid-80s is a very good example of why a new Census Bureau measure reveals more seniors living in poverty.
-
Wabash Senior Center planning trips for all ages
Have you ever been to Europe? How about the Canadian Rockies? The Wabash Senior Center has reserved two very special trips for people of all ages. The first trip that the Senior Center has scheduled is Dec. 9-17 to “Europe’s Christmas Markets.”
-
Senior apartments complex opening this month
Dozens of Terre Haute-area seniors are lining up for the newly constructed Park Place apartments on the city’s south side.
-
Social Security: Beat the holiday rush: Go online
Another Christmas has come and gone, yet if you are like me there is still much you need to do during the holiday season. Probably the last thing on your list is spending precious time at a Social Security office, waiting to conduct business, especially if you don’t need to.
-
Protect yourself from Social Security number fraud
If you’ve been following the news over the past week, you may have noticed reports about Social Security number fraud, specifically that there is a 1 in 7 chance that someone else may have used your number.
-
Dine with a Doc Tuesday, Wednesday
Senior Education Ministries, Inc. has scheduled Dine with a Doc on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Senior Menu: Nov. 29-Dec. 3
-
Social Security: Open season for Medicare program
When you think of November, you may imagine such things as turkey dinners, family gatherings, or the start of the holiday shopping season.
But newly entitled and current Medicare beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan might think of November as the time for thinking about Medicare. -
Social Security offers many benefits, wealth of info for veterans
On this Thursday we honor our nation’s veterans for their service to America.
-
‘60 Plus’ group, conservative alternative to AARP, seeking to expand in Indiana
The chairman of a senior advocacy group hopes to tap into a concern over national health care to gain new members in Indiana.
James L. Martin said he started The 60 Plus Association in 1992 “as a competitor with the AARP [American Association of Retired Persons]. We are for limited government and are more right of center philosophically. The AARP is a more liberal philosophy. They sell a lot of products, we don’t. We’re hawking limited government and less taxes.” -
Planning to move? Don’t forget to contact Social Security
Moving can be hectic. Some studies show that relocating is one of the greatest stresses we face in our lives. Whether you are moving nearby or across the country, don’t forget Social Security if you are a beneficiary.
-
Agency hoping for Foundation grant
Terre Haute resident Mary Baker owns an automobile, but says she can’t drive it to Indianapolis to seek medical attention.
-
Groups need senior transportation info
There is a need in Vigo and surrounding counties for transportation services for medical purposes to Indianapolis, and there is a need for door-to-door evening transportation for seniors.
-
Dine with a Doc at Senior Center
Senior Education Ministries, Inc. has scheduled Dine with a Doc from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Wabash Senior Citizen’s Center at 300 S. 5th St. in Terre Haute.
-
Social Security: Ensure retirement, disability, survivors protection for farm workers
If you’re a farm worker, it’s likely that you’re busy right now.
The spring planting season has ended, but the farm work has only begun. - Senior Menu: June 24, 2010
-
Parkinson’s support group meeting Friday at Westminster Village
The Parkinson’s support group will meet Friday at Westminster Village, 1120 E. Davis Drive, Terre Haute.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: People agree, applying for Medicare online is quick, easy
We’ve been telling people how quick and easy it is to apply for Medicare benefits online – even if you’re not ready to apply for retirement benefits.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: SS helps survivors of fallen service members
Families of fallen military service members bear significant burdens from the loss of their loved one. Lives are changed forever. Aside from the emotional devastation, the financial hardships placed on such families can be difficult. Often, if a death occurs, a two-income household must make do with one income.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Attention students: Are you ready for your summer jobs?
Summer is right around the corner. Now is the time to plan for that summer job you really want.
Whether you find the perfect outdoor job at a summer camp or the local golf course, or you get to practice your people skills in retail, fast food or an amusement park, one thing’s for sure: Nothing’s better than having fun this summer while earning a few extra dollars. -
SOCIAL SECURITY: New 'twist' in law may help your mom
Mom has always been there to nurture and take care of you. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to give back and look out for her. If she’s having a hard time paying for her prescription drugs, tell her about the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and the extra help available through Social Security.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Call SS toll-free anytime
Telephones certainly have made our lives easier. Have you ever thought about what your life would be like without your cell phone? Now imagine life without telephones at all.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Here's to a green planet in retirement
Social Security has been practicing environmental stewardship since long before “going green” was a fashionable catch-phrase.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Ticket to Work offers free support services
Millions of disabled and blind Americans receive monthly Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payments. Some receive both. Most also have help in paying medical bills from Medicare or Medicaid.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: Most convenient SS office is online
You probably don’t need anyone to tell you that times are tough for many people right now. The past year has seen a recession-driven increase in applications for Social Security retirement and disability benefit applications. These increases translate into busier offices and telephone lines.
-
Social Security has rich history full of facts
When you think of Social Security, you probably think about a monthly payment for retired and disabled workers. But Social Security has a rich history full of interesting facts.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: SS shares March reminders
Time goes by so quickly, it can be easy to forget important deadlines and even easier to let critical items fall to the nether regions of your to-do list. Whether you get to everything or not, time marches on — so we’d like to share some March reminders with you.
-
SOCIAL SECURITY: SS launches Open Government page
In support of President Barack Obama’s Transparency and Open Government initiative, Social Security has launched a new Open Government Web page.
- Social Security: Been thinking about Medicare Part B? If you are covered under Medicare Part A but originally opted not to apply for Medicare Part B, now’s your opportunity to enroll in Part B. The general enrollment period runs from Jan. 1 through March 31.
- Social Security showcases history in 75th year What you may not have realized when you rang in 2010 was that you also were ringing in the 75th anniversary of Social Security.
- More Seniors Headlines
-
Raw Video: Biden Greets Chinese VP for Visit
Authorities: Houston Found Underwater in Tub
Raw Video: Kim Jong Il Statue Unveiled
Whitney Houston Funeral to Be Invitation Only
Raw Video: Heavy Shelling in Homs, Syria
Trial Opens for Ala. Man in Bride's Diving Death
Baltimore's 'Crime Stopper' Is a Basketball Star
Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches
Raw Video: 5 People Injured in Bangkok Blasts
Raw Video: Hearse Arrives at N.J. Funeral Home
Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death
Raw Video: Houston Body Flown From L.A. to N.J.
New Details in Search for Missing Utah Mom
First Person: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Raw Video: Whitney Houston's Last Performance
Obama's New Budget: The Winners and Losers
Gregoire: Marriage Equality Is Right for Wash.
ShowBiz Minute: Houston, Grammys, BAFTAs
Spy on the Wall: Video Conferencing at Risk
Raw Video: Duchess Kate Visits Liverpool
Kim K. Wet, Wild and Natural
VS Models Wow for V-Day
Shakira Attacked By Sea Lion
Modern day treasure hunter searching for $3 billion prize
Ultimate Tazer Ball is a Shocking New Sport
What Happened Inside Whitney's Hotel Room?
Saying 'I Love You' With a Sewage Plant Tour
Watch: Whitney Houston's Golden Hearse
Kate Upton MLB 2K12 Commercial
Olympic Swimmer Proposes on Podium After Big Win
Scarlett Johansson's Bikini P-D-A
Man Allegedly Drowns Wife While Scuba Diving
Glee Pays Tribute to Whitney
Wash. becomes 7th state to okay same-sex marriage
Romijn's 60 Pound Weight Loss
The 'Celebrity Apprentice' Cast Meets Donald Trump
Kissing contest heats up
Hugh Hefner's Son Arrested
Jacqueline Kennedy's personal papers released
Did Tyler Perry Have a Secret Wedding?
