Social Security benefits after a death

First, what we handle

As part of our work, we report the death to Social Security and give you certified copies of the death certificate, which you will need. What we cannot do is apply for your benefits — that part has to come from the family. And it does not happen on its own: no benefit is paid until somebody applies.

The $255 lump-sum payment

Social Security pays a one-time death benefit of $255. By law it goes to the first person on this list who qualifies:

• A spouse who was living with them at the time of death.
• A spouse who is eligible for benefits on their record in the month of death.
• Their children, if the children are eligible for benefits in the month of death.

It is small, and it is also easy to miss. It has to be applied for within two years of the death.

Monthly survivor benefits

This is the part many families never hear about. If the person who died worked and paid into Social Security long enough — somewhere between a year and a half and ten years, depending on their age — monthly benefits may be payable to:

• A widow or widower — from age 60, or age 50 if disabled. At any age, if they are caring for the deceased's child who is under 16 or disabled.
• A divorced widow or widower — same ages, if the marriage lasted at least ten years.
• Unmarried children — up to age 18, or 19 if still in elementary or secondary school full time. A child disabled before age 22 can qualify at any age, as long as the disability continues.
• Dependent parents — age 62 or older, if they depended on their child for at least half their support.

How much depends on the record of the person who died. Apply even if you are not sure you qualify — let Social Security make the call.

Two things worth knowing

• Apply promptly. Some benefits can be paid back to the month of death, others only from the month you apply. Waiting can cost real money.
• A payment for the month of death itself has to go back. Benefits are not payable for the month someone dies, even if the payment arrives. If a check or deposit shows up for that month, don't spend it — Social Security will reclaim it, and we can help you sort out the return.

How to apply

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), visit your local office, or start at ssa.gov. Have these ready if you can — and if you can't, apply anyway and gather as you go:

• A certified copy of the death certificate — we provide these.
• Social Security numbers — theirs, and yours.
• Marriage certificate, for a spouse applying.
• Children's birth certificates, for benefits for the kids.

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