My ex husband passed away recently. I received a social security deposit . I am not sure the deposit is related to his death. Please reply.

Thank you

Hi,

I can't give you a definite answer based on the limited information in your question. Social Security wouldn't automatically pay you anything because of your ex-spouse's death unless you were already drawing benefits on his account when he died. If you have been drawing divorced spousal benefits, though, then the deposit you received is likely the result of the fact that divorced survivor benefits are calculated at a higher rate than are divorced spousal benefits.

Divorced spousal benefits can be payable at a rate of up to 50% of a deceased worker's primary insurance amount (PIA), whereas divorced survivor benefits can be paid at up to 100% or more of the worker's PIA depending on the full circumstances involved. So, if you've been receiving divorced spousal benefits then those benefits would likely automatically convert to divorced survivor benefits, in which case payment you received is probably the result of the higher survivor rate.

In any case, Social Security sends notices to explain any new or irregular payments that they make, but the mail takes longer than electronic funds transfers. You should receive a notice by mail within 2 weeks of the deposit explaining what the deposit represents and how it was calculated.

Best, Jerry