The Senior Scene

In the unfortunate event of a family member’s death, we want you to know that Social Security is here to help. In addition to the emotional difficulty family members’ experience, there is often a financial burden as well, especially if the family’s main wage earner dies. In such cases, Social Security survivor benefits will help.
Today, in the state of Washington, there are many who depend on the Social Security benefits provided by a loved one who has passed. Over 110,000 surviving spouses and children receive monthly benefit payments. Those payments add up to over one and a half billion dollars per year.
Did you know that nearly every child in America could get Social Security survivors benefits if a working parent dies? In addition, Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. Today, nearly two millions children receive benefits off a deceased parents record each month.
Although many people think Social Security is just a retirement program, you should know that Social Security also provides survivors insurance benefits for workers and their families. If you’re like most people, the value of the survivors insurance you have under Social Security is probably more than the value of any individual life insurance you may own. Moreover, you don’t even need to sign up for a separate policy; by working and paying Social Security tax, you are most likely already insured without even knowing it.
Family members who may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work record include a widow or widower, unmarried children up to age 19 and still in high school, and under certain circumstances, stepchildren, grandchildren, step grandchildren, and adopted children.
Another special program Social Security uses to support the family is dependent parent benefits. If your child dies and you are dependent on him or her for more than one half of your support, you can collect a Social Security benefit from the adult child’s record. Social Security pays monthly benefits to parents on the record of a deceased worker under the following conditions:
• The parent must be at least 62 years old and not have remarried since the worker’s death.
• The parent cannot be entitled to his/her own, higher Social Security benefit.
• The parent must be able to show that he/she was receiving one-half of his/her financial support from the worker at the time of death.
• The proof of support must be submitted within two years of the worker’s death.
If you’d like to learn more about survivor benefits, and how to apply, you should read our publication, Survivors Benefits, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
You can find additional useful information, such as our survivors’ planner and information about how to apply for survivors benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/survivors.htm.

Kirk Larson, who wrote this article, is a public affairs specialist for Social Security in western Washington.

Rosemary Lemoine celebrated her 100th birthday at Weatherly Inn on June 12. Family and friends gathered for an intimate and festive party where Rosemary was presented with a birthday greeting from Governor Jay Inslee, showing appreciation for her contribution to others and to her community.
Rosemary was born in Nome, Alaska on June 12, 1914 to parents Rose and Floyd Wheeler. Her father passed away when she was only 2 years of age. He was a mailman who used a dog sled for his deliveries and died after becoming very ill from being caught in a blizzard on his route.
Shortly, after his death, Rosemary and her mother moved to Grapeview, Wash., where she attended grade school and lived on a ranch. Rosemary’s mother remarried and her family grew to include three siblings — a brother and two sisters. As the children got older, they moved into the Seattle and Tacoma area. Rosemary graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma.
Rosemary left the area after high school and went to Los Angeles, where she met her husband Philbert Lemoine. They moved back into the Tacoma area after having children, two of which are still living. Her daughter Helen and son Philip live in western Washington.
Rosemary has had a rich life. She and her husband both moved to Weatherly Inn in Tacoma almost seven years ago. Her husband lived to be 103, and the couple shared 79 happy years together. Their favorite pastime was camping. They especially enjoyed desert camping.
Rosemary always loved the outdoors. She also has enjoyed canning, sewing, painting, and various artistic endeavors. She was very active in the community and spent many years volunteering with Girl Scouts and working with children who have mental or physical disabilities.
When family was asked about her longevity, family members point to the fact that she has always been full of life and very active.

Amy Taylor, who wrote this article,

is the community outreach coordinator for Weatherly Inn.