Monthly checks can be paid to certain dependents of a decreased worker if the worker had worked long enough in a job covered by Social Security. Payments can be made to a deceased worker's: Unmarried children under 18, full time high school student until 19. Unmarried children who became disabled before age 22. Widows or Widowers: 60 or older or surviving divorced mother or father if caring for worker's child under 16 (or disabled) who is getting a benefit based on the earnings of the deceased worker. Widows/Widowers, 50 or older who becomes disabled not later than 7 years after the worker's death, or within 7 years after mother's or father's benefits end. Dependent parents 62 or older.