You generally will not need to file an application for survivors benefits
On a similar note. How many credits are needed to provide survivor benefits?
The number of credits needed to provide benefits for survivors depends on the worker's age when they die.  No one needs more than 40 credits or ten years of work to be eligible for any Social Security benefit.
You generally will not need to file an application for survivors benefits   We 'll automatically change any monthly benefits you receive to survivors benefits after we receive the report of death