Restored Entitlement
Program for Survivors
Surviving Spouse Beneficiary Information
General: The 1981 changes to the Social Security Act eliminated the "parent with child in care" benefit when a surviving spouse's last child in care attains age 16. Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS) restores the benefit until the youngest child in the surviving parent's care reaches age 18 unless entitlement is established under some other provision of the Social Security Act. Even if entitlement is established to other Social Security benefits, the surviving spouse may still be able to receive some REPS benefits as long as the Social Security entitlement is less than the amount entitled under REPS. There is a dollar for dollar reduction.
Factors Affecting Surviving Spouse's Entitlement
Marriage: If the surviving spouse should marry, entitlement to REPS ends effective the first day of the month of marriage.
Child No Longer in Care: If the child leaves custody of the surviving spouse, or marries or dies, the surviving spouse's entitlement to REPS ends effective the first day of the month of the event.
Earned Income from Wages or Self Employment: REPS benefits are reduced by one dollar for each two dollars of earned income over the exempt amount for Social Security. The exempt amount of wages is announced at the beginning of each calendar year. The current annual exempt amount can be obtained by contacting the Social Security Administration office.
Source: United States Department of Veterans Affairs Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors Fact Sheet (VA Form 21-0536) dated January 1995