Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 21, 2023 Sav Sa Sa n or Savvy Seniori r avvy Senior by Jim Miller How to Handle Social Security Benefi ts When A Loved One Dies Savvy Senior Dear Savvy Senior, How are Social Security benefi ts handled when someone dies? After a long illness, my 68-yearold father has only weeks left to live. I am helping my mom fi gure out her financial situation going forward, including what to do about my dad’s Social Security after he passes away but could use some help. Only Son Dear Only, I’m very sorry about the impending loss of your father. To help you and your mom understand what Social Security provides and what needs to be done when a family member dies, here are some key points you should know. Your fi rst order of business will be to make sure the Social Security Administration is notifi ed when your father dies, so his monthly benefi ts will be stopped. In most cases, the funeral home providing his burial or cremation services will do it. You’ll need to provide your dad’s Social Security number to the funeral director so they can make the report. But, if they don’t off er that service or you’re not using a funeral home, you’ll need to do it yourself by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213. When Benefi ts Stop There are a couple of things to be aware of regarding your dad’s Social Security benefi ts. For starters, you need to know that a person is due no Social Security benefi ts in the month of their death. With Social Security, each payment received represents the previous month’s benefi ts. So, if your dad were to pass away in August, the check for that month – which would be paid in September – would need to be returned if received. If the payment is made by direct deposit, you would need to contact the bank or other fi nancial institution and ask them to return any benefi ts sent after your dad’s death. Survivor Benefi ts When your father passes away, your mother may be eligible for survivor benefi ts on his record if she’s at least age 60 (50 if disabled). Here’s how that works depending on her situation. If your mom is currently receiving Social Security benefi ts based on your father’s work record, her spousal benefi t will automatically convert to survivors benefits when the government gets notice of your dad’s death. She cannot receive both spousal and survivor benefi ts at the same time. Widows are due between 71 percent (at age 60) and 100 percent (at full retirement age) of what the husband was getting before he died. If, however, your mom is eligible for retirement benefi ts (but hasn’t applied yet), she can apply for retirement or survivors benefi ts when her husband passes away and switch to the other (higher) benefi t later. Or, if your mom is already receiving her retirement benefi ts on her own work record, she could switch to survivors benefi ts if it off ers a higher payment. She cannot, however, receive both benefi ts. To apply for survivors’ benefi ts, your mom will need to call Social Security at 800-772-1213 and schedule an appointment. She can’t do it online. You should also know that survivor benefi ts are available to former spouses and dependents who meet SSA qualifi - cations – see SSA.gov/benefi ts/survivors. Also note that if your mom collects a survivor benefit while working, and she’s under full retirement age, her benefi ts may be reduced depending on her earnings. See SSA.gov/pubs/EN-05-10069. pdf for details. Death Benefi t In addition to survivor benefi ts, Social Security will also pay a one-time payment of $255 to your mom (the surviving spouse) if she was living with your dad at the time of his death. If they were living apart, she may still receive this one-time payment if she’s collecting spousal benefits on his work record. In the absence of a surviving spouse, the lump-sum payment can go to a son or daughter who is eligible for benefi ts on the deceased’s work record. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Things to do at the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival July 28–30, revere Beach BLAST FROM THE PAST: In 2018, Pavel Mylnikov, shown with his sculpture, took fi rst place in the overall competition for a second year in a row at the sand sculpting competition on Revere Beach. (Advocate fi le photo) G et ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity, fun and unforgettable experiences! Whether you’re a fan of live entertainment, a huge foodie, bringing the whole family to the beach, or want to be in awe of the art of our master sand sculptors, we have something for you. The Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival is an annual summer staple that combines the mesmerizing artistry of sand sculptures with a wide range of exciting activities. If you’re planning to stop by but don’t know where to start, we have you covered! Don’t get us wrong, plenty of people just wander aimlessly along Revere Beach Boulevard to see all the festival’s attractions, and that’s absolutely fi ne. But… if you want the perfect guide to the Sand Sculpting Festival so you don’t miss a thing, make sure to keep reading. Getting There: With the Sumner Tunnel closure increasing traffi c, the MBTA is providing free transportation on the MBTA Blue Line! We encourage guests to take the T (which is super easy to use) and just hop off at the Wonderland or Revere Beach Stations, which are both within walking distance to the festival. If you are driving, the closest and most cost-effective parking is at the Wonderland Station Parking Garage. Family Fun Amusements: The first thing you’re going to spot when you walk over is the Ferris Wheel. Seriously you won’t be able to miss it. If you’ve been to the festival before, just know that we have upgraded the Ferris Wheel this year and will have one of the largest traveling wheels in New England! Start here so you can get the perfect spot to see the full festival and the beautiful the view of the ocean. Support Your Local Businesses: The only thing better than shopping is shopping for a good cause, and this is the perfect excuse. New to the festival this year is The Beach Shop Pavilion. Basically, this area is dedicated to highlighting local Revere businesses, emerging small businesses, or nonprofi ts. With 19 diff erent shops, there will be plenty to browse – from luxury sunglasses from Niraji to the perfect beach-themed décor from Ashley Mary Craftery and much more! Engaging Entertainment: Prepare to be entertained by an incredible lineup of live performances throughout the festival – from talented musicians to captivating dancers and engaging performers. There will be four designated spots throughout the festival that will be alive with energy and excitement. The place to be on Friday night at 7 p.m. will be the centerpiece for a special performance by none other than Blue Man Group. These three will let you see the world in a whole new way with their paint drums, one-of-a-kind instruments and interactive show. Fireworks Extravaganza: Prepare to be dazzled by our Fireworks Extravaganza that will light up the night sky. Make sure to grab a spot along the sea wall for the best view of the display beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 29. Watch in awe as the colorful explosions illuminate the sand sculptures, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to end your Saturday night with a breathtaking spectacle. Calling All Foodies: Indulge your taste buds with an enticing array of food trucks and vendors. From savory to sweet, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re in the mood for creative Asian street food from Moyzilla, the best hot dog from Trolley Dogs, an ice cream cooldown with Ben & Jerry’s or your typical festival snack from Fiesta Shows, there is truly something for everyone! Right now, there are almost 30 food trucks and vendors to choose from, so we defi nitely recommend checking out the full list! Grab a Drink: After exploring the festival for a bit, head to the Samuel Adams Beer Garden to unwind and soak up the festival atmosphere. Savor a refreshing selection of Samuel Adams products, inFESTIVAL | SEE PAGE 15
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