# US Social Security benefit eligibility guidelines > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-social-security-benefit-eligibility-guidelines > Updated: 2026-09-05T04:03:04.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Information regarding United States Social Security benefits outlines various eligibility pathways for individuals based on family relationships and work histories. Initial guidance focuses on survivor benefits, noting that payments are not automatically transferred following a death and require a formal application. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates claims based on the deceased person’s work history and the claimant’s age and relationship to the deceased. Potential claimants include surviving spouses, typically aged 60 or older (or 50 if disabled), and those caring for a child of the deceased. Further details expand on eligibility for individuals who may lack a personal work history. This includes spouses of retired or disabled workers, former spouses from marriages lasting at least 10 years, and widows or widowers claiming benefits based on a deceased partner’s record. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: US Social Security eligibility for individuals without work histories The US Social Security Administration allows certain individuals to claim benefits without a personal work history, including spouses, former spouses of long-term marriages, and widows or widowers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-social-security-eligibility-for-individuals-without-work-histories ### 2026-08-31: Social Security survivor benefits guide for US families Survivors in the US can claim Social Security benefits following a relative's death, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria regarding work history and relationship to the deceased. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/social-security-survivor-benefits-guide-for-us-families --- Cite as: US Social Security benefit eligibility guidelines. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-social-security-benefit-eligibility-guidelines