Survivor Benefits Documentation Guidance

Summary

For claiming survivors social security benefits in the U.S., you generally need documents like a death certificate, Social Security numbers, birth and marriage certificates, and W-2 forms. If W-2 forms are missing, you can request them from the employer or the IRS. For a lost Green Card, file Form I-90 with USCIS. Consulting an immigration attorney can help navigate these complexities.

Full Conversation

Hi! I would like to seek a legal advice regarding survivor's social security benefits
Hello **** ****, Sure, I'd be happy to help with general information about survivor's social security benefits. Can you please tell me the country you're in as social security rules can vary by location?
United States
Hi ****, in the United States:
- If you're a widow or widower, you can receive full benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age *.
- If you're disabled, benefits can begin as early as age *.
- Benefits for surviving divorced spouses exist under certain conditions.
For specifics, consult the Social Security Administration.
I already been there for several times but get no concrete answer
I'm sorry to hear that, ****. Can you please specify what aspect of the survivor's social security benefits you're having trouble with?
My spouse died * and submitted some documents with them and until now its still unclear
I'm sorry for your loss, ****. To clarify, are you having trouble with the processing time or the required documents for the survivor's social security benefits claim?
Required documents
Hi ****, for a survivor's claim in the US, you generally need:
- Proof of death (death certificate)
- Your Social Security number and the deceased’s
- Your birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce papers (if applicable)
- Dependent children’s Social Security numbers (if applicable)
- Deceased worker’s W-* forms or federal self-employment tax return for the most recent year
- Bank information for direct deposit of benefits.
I already submitted most of those documents the only thing is the W-* forms which i dont know how to get those
To obtain W-* forms in the U.S., you can:
- Ask your spouse's employer.
- Request from the IRS using Form *.
- Get a transcript of them from the IRS for free.
Remember to keep all communications for your records.
They were asking me about his physical ID which was missing since he was admitted in the hospital
I understand your concern, ****. In the US, if the physical ID is lost, you can request a replacement from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state. Did you consider this option?
The green card was missing, and by the time his death we are no longer living together. I live in different state
I'm sorry for your difficulties, ****. In the U.S., you can request a replacement Green Card by filing Form I-* with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. However, specific advice should come from an immigration lawyer.
Do i need to seek a lawyer to help me.
It might be beneficial to consult with an immigration attorney to navigate the complexities of your situation effectively. They can provide legal advice specific to your circumstances regarding the missing Green Card and the survivor's benefits claim.
Thank you very much for your help. I really appreciate it
You're welcome, ****. I'm glad I could provide some assistance. Remember, it's important to consult with an immigration attorney for your specific circumstances. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. Best of luck with everything.