Expert: Allen - 3/2/2010

Question
I received a letter from the Social Security Admin. informing me I may be entitled to a "deferred vested benefits" from a company my now deceased father worked at 10 or so years ago. Told me to contact the Plan Administrator to apply for these benefits and to send them a copy of the letter I received along with the identification number, (also on the letter). Question: Is it "familiar" for disabled child to receive his Papa's benefits after his passing. Type of annuity:G-Joint and last survivor annuity. Payment frequency: E-monthly. Thank You.

Answer
This is not very common. The joint and survivor annuity normally covers the participant and his or her spouse. However, I would still check with the Plan Administrator.

Saying that, I caution that after you contact the administrator, you may find that you will not receive a benefit. The letter from the Social Security Administration was generated by a form that was filed when your father terminated employment with the company.