Social Security Benefits
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Social Security
When someone passes away, their surviving family members may be eligible for monthly Social Security benefits based on the deceased's earnings record. Here is what you need to know.
Are you a survivor of someone who was receiving Social Security benefits? If so, you or another family member may qualify for monthly survivors benefits. As the survivor, if you are the spouse, child or parent of someone who has worked long enough under the Social Security Administration you may qualify to receive certain benefits.
Who Qualifies for Social Security Death Benefits?
* A widow or widower age 60 or older
* A widow or widower of any age who is caring for the deceased's child under age 16 or a disabled child receiving benefits
* A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances
* An unmarried child of the deceased who is under age 18, or under 19 if enrolled full time in elementary or secondary school
* A child age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22
What you may receive
Monthly benefit amounts are based on the deceased's earnings record. The more they paid into Social Security over their lifetime, the higher the benefit. In addition, a one time lump sum payment of $255 may be available to a surviving spouse or eligible child.
How to report a death and apply
In most cases we will report the death to the Social Security Administration on your behalf. If that has not happened, a family member should contact the SSA as soon as possible. Deaths cannot be reported online and benefits cannot be applied for online.
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit
ssa.gov/benefits/survivors
for more information.
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.
