Social Security Benefits
Social Security Benefits
Navigating Social Security benefits is one of the last things anyone wants to think about in the days after a loss, but acting quickly matters. We'll help you understand what's available and make sure your family doesn't miss anything they're entitled to.
What are Social Security Death Benefits?
If your loved one worked long enough to qualify under Social Security, certain family members may be eligible to receive ongoing monthly benefits based on their earnings record. The more your loved one paid into Social Security over their lifetime, the higher those benefits will be.
In addition, a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 may be available to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased, or who was already receiving benefits on the deceased's record. If there is no surviving spouse, an eligible child may receive this payment instead.
Who Qualifies for Benefits?
The following may be eligible to receive monthly Social Security survivor benefits:
- A widow or widower age 60 or older
- A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances
- A widow or widower of any age who is caring for the deceased's child who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving child's benefits
- An unmarried child of the deceased who is younger than 18 (or up to 19 if enrolled full-time in elementary or secondary school)
- An unmarried child age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22
What Steps Should Survivor’s Take?
In most cases, we will report your loved one's death to the Social Security Administration on your family's behalf. If for any reason that hasn't happened, a surviving family member should contact the SSA as soon as possible. Note that deaths cannot be reported online, and survivor benefits cannot be applied for online, contact must be made by phone or in person.
How Do I Contact the Social Security Administration?
If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, or have questions about qualifying to receive survivor’s benefits, call 1-800-772-1213.
Additional information is available online at ssa.gov/benefits/survivors.
Questions? We're here.
As part of our service to every family, we're happy to help you understand what benefits may be available and point you in the right direction. Call us anytime at (830) 282-1710.
