Social Security Benefits
If your loved one worked long enough under Social Security, certain family members may be entitled to survivor benefits. It is important to contact Social Security promptly after a death — here is what may be available and how to begin.
The One-Time Death Payment
A one-time payment of $255 can be made to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased — or, if living apart, was receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased's record. If there is no surviving spouse, the payment may be made to a child who is eligible for benefits on the record in the month of death.
Monthly Survivor Benefits
Certain family members may be eligible for monthly benefits, including a widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled), a surviving spouse of any age caring for the deceased's child who is under 16 or disabled, unmarried children under 18 (older in some cases), parents age 62 or older who depended on the deceased for at least half their support, and, in certain circumstances, a surviving divorced spouse.
How to Contact Social Security
You can reach the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit ssa.gov. As part of our service, we also work with Social Security to ensure the necessary paperwork is filed, and we can help you determine which benefits your family may qualify for.
