Apart from standard retirement and SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) also provides survivor benefits to eligible Americans. These payments are typically issued to family members of deceased workers, such as widows, children, or even parents, depending on specific eligibility criteria.
Who Can Receive Social Security Survivor Benefits?
Unlike retirement benefits, which require the worker to have at least 10 years of work history and 40 credits, survivors are not required to have any work history to qualify.
Survivors may include:
- Widows or widowers
- Dependent children
- In certain cases, parents of deceased workers
In addition to monthly payments, eligible family members may also receive a one-time lump sum payment of $255 following the death of a retired worker.
Social Security Survivor Payment of $1,566 on July 16, 2025
If you began collecting Social Security survivor benefits after April 30, 1997, your payment is issued on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month—not on the 3rd like some retirement payments.
For the July 2025 payment:
- Those born between the 11th and 20th will receive their survivor benefit on Wednesday, July 16.
- The average survivor payment is $1,566.66.
How Are Payment Dates Determined?
Your payment schedule is determined by your birth date:
- 1st–10th: First Wednesday (not applicable here)
- 11th–20th: July 16, 2025
- 21st–31st: July 23, 2025
Upcoming Change: Mandatory Electronic Payments
Currently, survivors can receive benefits via:
- Direct deposit
- Paper check
However, paper checks will be discontinued after September 30, 2025, due to a new federal mandate requiring all benefits to be delivered electronically. Beneficiaries should prepare for this transition to avoid delays.
$1,566 Payment on July 23, 2025 – Who Gets It?
If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st and you started receiving survivor benefits after April 30, 1997, your next monthly payment will arrive on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
Note: Payments may take up to 3 business days to appear in your bank account due to financial institution processing times.
Average Survivor Benefit Amounts in 2025
According to the SSA’s most recent data (as of May 2025), the average monthly benefits for different survivor groups are as follows:
| Recipient Category | Average Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| All survivors | $1,566.66 |
| Children of deceased workers | $1,139.18 |
| Widowed mothers/fathers | $1,314.10 |
| Nondisabled widow(er)s | $1,863.71 |
| Disabled widow(er)s | $953.73 |
| Parents of deceased workers | $1,697.90 |
Conclusion
Survivor benefits offer critical financial support to families who have lost a loved one who paid into Social Security. With up to $1,863.71 per month for some recipients and specific payment dates based on birthdate, it’s vital to stay informed about your payout schedule. Don’t forget that starting September 30, 2025, only electronic payments will be issued. Prepare accordingly to continue receiving your benefits without interruption.
FAQs
1. Who qualifies for Social Security survivor benefits?
Survivor benefits are available to widows, widowers, children, and sometimes parents of deceased workers who qualified for Social Security.
2. What is the average survivor benefit payment in 2025?
As of May 2025, the average monthly survivor benefit is $1,566.66, with higher amounts for nondisabled widow(er)s and parents of deceased workers.
3. When will I receive my July 2025 survivor benefit payment?
If your birthdate is between the 11th–20th, your payment arrives on July 16. If it’s 21st–31st, expect it on July 23.
4. What happens if my payment is delayed?
Wait up to 3 mailing days after your scheduled date before contacting your bank or the SSA to report a late or missing payment.
5. Are paper checks still available for Social Security payments?
Paper checks will be phased out by September 30, 2025. After that, all payments must be received via direct deposit or another electronic method.