Question :
My husband passed away. Since we had no children, his heirs are his two brothers, two sisters and me. When I went to the Social Security Corporation, they told me that, according to Social Security Law, his pension was transferred to my bank account alone. Is this pension lawful money or not and who is entitled to receive it?
The Answer :
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
Social security benefits are distributed in accordance with the Social Security Law issued by the state, not divided like the inheritance.
This is because social security is a grant from the state. As the deceased didn`t possess this grant in his/her lifetime, it is distributed according to the Social Security Law.
If the recipient of the social security benefits is poor and needy, then he/she is permitted to spend it on him/herself and his/her dependents. If he/she is well off, then it is recommended that he gives it to the poor and needy, and this way it is considered a charity, `Insha`allah. And Allah The Almight Knows Best.
