How Do I Apply For The $255 Social Security Death Benefit
Social Security Death Benefit is a payment to surviving family members when the Social Security beneficiary dies.
This article will discuss who qualifies for Social Security Death Benefit, how much it pays out in this type of situation, and whether or not Social security covers funeral expenses.
What Is The Social Security Death Benefit?
The Social Security Death Benefit is a one-time payment of $255 that Social Security pays to the family or other representatives of a deceased Social Security beneficiary. This benefit is also known as the Social Security Widow’s Benefit.
How Much Is The One-Time Survivors Benefit?
The death benefit is a one-time payment of $255.
Qualifications To Earn The Survivors Benefits
You or the deceased individual will need to have at least 40 credits (10 years of work or contributions to Social Security) to pass on the survivor’s benefits to family members.
Editor’s Note: You can learn more about how Credits are earned by visiting the Social Security Credits page.
Who Is Eligible For A Social Security Lump-Sum Death Payment?
The surviving spouse or a child is eligible to receive the death benefit from Social Security.
Here is a better explanation of situations where the surviving spouse would receive it vs the child receiving the lump-sum payment.
How A Spouse Receives A Social Security Death Benefit
In most cases, this one-time payment will go to the surviving spouse that lived with the deceased individual.
If you and your spouse were living in different places during the time of their death, you can still potentially receive the $255 payment. In this situation, the surviving spouse would need to fit one of the following requirements during the same month that the individual died:
- The surviving spouse was already receiving Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record.
- You, the surviving spouse, became eligible for Social Security payments when the individual passed away.
How A Child Receives The $255 Social Security Death Benefit
The child of a deceased Social Security recipient can receive the payment if there is no eligible surviving spouse. The child would need to meet one of the following requirements:
- The child was receiving Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record during the month they died.
- That child became eligible for benefits when the individual passed away.
Can You Collect A Sibling’s Social Security When They Pass Away?
No, siblings cannot receive the $255 death benefit if their brother or sister passes away. According to Social Security, the only “other family members” who are eligible are stepchildren, grandchildren, adopted children, and parents who were being cared for by the deceased individual. Typically the benefit will go to a spouse or a child of the deceased.
How Long Do You Have To Apply For Social Security Widow’s Benefits?
If you are a surviving spouse or child, you have 2 years from the date of the individual passing away to apply for the Social Security death benefit.
How To Apply For The Social Security Death Benefit After A Family Member Passes Away
You can apply for the $255 lump-sum payment by phone or by visiting a local Social Security office.
To apply for the Social Security Death Benefit by phone you’ll need to call 800.772.1213.
You can also visit any Social Security office in your area to learn more about this death benefit. You can find the nearest Social Security office to you by visiting the Social Security website. From here you can type your zip code into the search to see a listing of Social Security offices close to you.
Does Social Security Pay For A Funeral?
No, Social Security does not pay for funerals. They can offer a one-time payment of $255 to the surviving spouse or child of the deceased Social Security beneficiary.
Conclusion
While the Social Security Administration will not pay for a funeral, they can offer a one-time payment of $255 to a family member.
Typically the surviving spouse will claim the payment. If there is no eligible surviving spouse, the child of the deceased Social Security beneficiary will be next in line to receive the payment.
To learn more about the Social Security Lump-Sum Death Benefit you can contact the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213, visit their website, or visit an office near you.
Finally, I offer my heartfelt sympathies to you if your spouse or parent has passed away. If there are other resources that your family needs at this moment, simply comment below and I will respond with any organizations that may help you.
Similar Articles That May Interest You:
- Funeral Assistance Houston: How To Receive Help Paying For Funeral Costs
- FEMA Funeral Reimbursement: Receive Up To $9000 If A Family Member Passes Away Due To COVID 10
- How To Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits
- Low-Cost Counseling In Houston For Individuals Suffering From Depression Or Grief
- How To Find A Case Manager To Help You Navigate Your Problems And Issues
Social Security Death Benefit FAQ
If you are a surviving spouse, divorced partner, unmarried child, or dependent parent of someone who has passed away, you could be eligible to receive monthly survivor payments based on their earnings. Furthermore, if the requirements have been met by the qualifying spouse or children then they may also be entitled to a one-time lump sum death payment of $255.
No, not everyone is eligible to receive the $255 death benefit from Social Security. To be eligible for this payment, you must have been a surviving spouse or other qualifying relative of the deceased individual. A child who is not married and has a disability could also receive the $255 death benefit. Eligibility may also depend on meeting certain criteria concerning rights and relationships between the deceased person and their survivors.
If a spouse dies, the widow or widower at full retirement age or older generally gets 100% of the deceased worker’s basic benefit amount. This means they will receive the same amount of money as the person who died was receiving. Those aged between 60 and full retirement age, will receive between 71% and 99%. Those with a child under 16 will get 75% according to Social Security. You can learn more by reading the Social Security Survivors handbook.
To apply for the $255 death benefit, call the Social Security hotline at 800 772 1213 or head to your nearest Social Security office. Scheduling an appointment in advance of your visit can save you time and get you started on the path towards receiving benefits quickly.
Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
Hi, I have a question about the death benefit. I had a son who passed away and was wondering if I am eligible for the death benefit for his passing. I am the father and his mother is deceased as well
Hi Jack, it depends. According to Social Security if you are a parent who is 62 and older and you depended on your son for income then you may be able to receive the Social Security death benefit. Check out the Social Security website to see who all qualifies for the death benefit:
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyou.html#:~:text=Do%20we%20pay%20death%20benefits,benefits%20on%20the%20deceased's%20record.
God bless you and your family Jack.
Nick
When my husband fell ill, I had the help of a lawyer who specializes in SS benefits and he navigated all the paperwork for me. No fee up-front, but he eventually received one-fourth of all retro/back payments (which my spouse qualified for). It was worth every penny for him to turn in all the forms, and he seemed to have good relationships with the local SS office in my town.
I highly recommend finding a Social Security attorney to make the process fast and smooth.
I 100% agree Miss Marple! The things that you don’t want to do or stress you out, give that to someone else and focus on things you enjoy. The time you save and get to spend on other things is worth that lawyer fee in my opinion.
Nick
We applied for death benefit when my spouse passed away 9/19/2021. we have not rec’d any money yet .??
Lucille consider contacting Social Security to check the status.
I’m power of attorney over my father do I get 255.oo dollars for help with expense.
For adult children you must be :
* unmarried and
* have a disability that started before 22
Generally adult children do not qualify for the $255 Social Security death benefit.
What if there is no spouse or children? My brother passed and I am his personal representative. Thanks
According to Social Security other family members who can receive the Social Security death benefit include children like stepchild, grandchild, or adopted child. They also mention parents who depended on the deceased child. No mention of siblings but contact Social Security to see if you can get the Social Security death benefit for your brother. They will be able to clearly answer that. 1-800-772-1213. God bless you and your family.
Is there age restriction of a surving son to collect the $255.00 beneift?
I don’t see that anywhere in this website.
Conclusion
While the Social Security Administration will not pay for a funeral, they can offer a one-time payment of $255 to a family member.
Typically the surviving spouse will claim the payment. If there is no eligible surviving spouse, the child of the deceased Social Security beneficiary will be next in line to receive the payment.
To learn more about the Social Security Lump-Sum Death Benefit you can contact the Social Security Administration at 800.772.1213, visit their website, or visit an office near you.
Finally, I offer my heartfelt sympathies to you if your spouse or parent has passed away. If there are other resources that your family needs at this moment, simply comment below and I will respond with any organizations that may help you.
Hi Rodney, the age restriction depends. If the son/child is younger than 18 years old there should be no issues.
If its an adult thats where it gets a little complicated. According to Social Security a son or child of the deceased can receive the $255 death benefits if:
* They are unmarried
* And have a disability that began for age 22
I’ll link to the Social Security page that talks about the Social Security death benefit below so that you can check it out.
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyou.html#:~:text=A%20widow%20or%20widower%20age,disability%20and%20receiving%20child's%20benefits.
with today’s e-methods, why is it necessary to visit a soc sec office in person to apply for a spouse’s death benefit. Seems counter-productive and, my nearest ss office is 25 miles away.
Oh wow, is that what they said when you called Social Security to apply for the death benefit? Maybe they need to see the original death certificate in person? Also I’m very sorry for your loss Joan.
Nick