Can you please explain how my spouse earns Social Security Survivors 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, that is 10 years of work to be eligible for any Social Security benefit.
What is the maximum amount a family is entitled to receive?
The limit varies but it is generally between 150 to 180 percent of the basic benefit rate. If the sum of benefits payable to family members is greater than this limit the benefits will be reduced proportionately.