Social Security Benefits
When a death occurs, Social Security is notified when the funeral home files for the death certificate in the state when the death happened, this is why the funeral director requests the social security number. Some families may be eligible for benefits depending on their situation.
Social Security Death Benefits
A one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 may be paid to a surviving spouse, regardless of the living situation, or a dependent child who is eligible for benefits. If there is no one who meets the requirements, there is no payment.
The intent of the Social Security death benefit, for those who qualify, is to help families who face a financial burden after losing their loved one. The monthly benefit amounts are based on the earnings of the person who died; the more they paid into Social Security, the higher the benefit would be.
Survivor Benefits
Those who may qualify include:
- Spouses age 60 or older
- Spouses age 50 or older if they have a disability
- A divorced spouse, under certain circumstances
- Unmarried children who are either:
- Age 17 or younger, OR
- Ages 18-19 and in school (K-12) full time, OR
- Any age if they developed a disability at age 21 or younger
- Dependent parents over age 62
Steps Survivors Should Take
Even if you don’t think you qualify for benefits, we encourage families to reach out to Social Security just to double check your eligibility and confirm the passing of your loved one. If the death was not reported by the funeral home, a surviving family member should notify the administration as soon as possible.
Contacting Social Security
If you need to report a death, 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.
Local office in our area: Marshall, Minnesota
