GUIDING YOU THROUGH
Social Security
When a loved one passes away, certain family members may qualify for Social Security benefits, and we’re here to help make the process easier to understand.

Our guidance focuses on clarity, care, and helping your family access the benefits available to them. Whether you’re learning about monthly survivor benefits, applying for the one-time lump-sum payment, or reviewing eligibility requirements, we provide support throughout the process. From your initial questions to completing the necessary paperwork, we’re here to guide you with care and attention.
What are Social Security Death Benefits?
Social Security Death Benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of a deceased eligible worker. This benefit, meant to assist with a family’s financial burden of losing the lost loved one’s income, is particularly important for young families with children.
Monthly benefit amounts are based on the earnings of the person who died. The more they paid into Social Security, the higher your benefits would be. This amount is a percentage of the deceased’s basic Social Security benefit.
Additionally, a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if he or she is living with the deceased; or if living apart, was receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record. When there is no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child who is eligible for benefits.
Navigating Social Security Benefits After a Loss
Losing a loved one is difficult, and navigating Social Security requirements can add to that stress. We’re here to help make the process clearer and more manageable, so your family can access the benefits available to them.
From understanding eligibility to completing applications, we’ll guide you through each step in a straightforward, supportive way. Whether you’re applying for a one-time payment or ongoing monthly benefits, we’ll help ensure the details are handled carefully.
Below you’ll find helpful information, resources, and contacts to assist you through the process, with guidance available whenever questions arise.
Who May Be Eligible
Social Security benefits are based on the work history of your loved one. Depending on their age and years worked, you may be eligible if you are:
- A surviving spouse (age 60+, or 50+ if disabled)
- A surviving spouse of any age caring for a child under 16 or disabled
- A divorced spouse meeting the same criteria, if married for at least 10 years
- An unmarried child up to age 18 (or 19 if still in school)
- A child disabled before age 22
- A dependent parent age 62 or older
Lump-Sum Death Payment
In addition to monthly benefits, a one-time payment of $255 may be available. This is typically paid to:

- A surviving spouse living with the deceased at time of death
- A surviving spouse eligible for benefits that month
- Eligible child or children
Who Qualifies for Benefits?
- A widow or widower age 60 or older
- A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances
- A widow or widower at any age who is caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving child’s benefits
- An unmarried child of the deceased who is one of the following:
- Younger than age 18 (up to age 19 if he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or secondary school).
- Age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.
What Steps Should Survivor’s Take?
In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death, however, if not, a surviving family member should notify the Social Security Administration as soon as possible following the date of death. Deaths cannot be reported online, and benefits can not be applied for online.
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.
Additional Resources
Benefits Application
Apply for benefits as soon as possible to help support your family’s financial needs.
Reporting Process
Report a death as soon as possible to help ensure eligible family members receive benefits.
Estimate Benefits
Review your account to understand the benefit payments you or your family may be eligible to receive.
