SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
Navigating Social Security After Death
If a person was receiving Social Security benefits before their death, their survivors may be entitled to their benefits when they die. O’Donnell Funeral Home will guide you through all of the social security benefits and notifications necessary.
Social Security Survivor Benefits
Qualifications
The process of receiving survivors benefits depends on whether or not you already are receiving social security payments yourself. The Social Security Administrations recommends that you apply for benefits promptly, and you’ll need some information about your loved one’s death. O’Donnell Funeral Home will provide the documentation needed including proof of death and send it directly to social security for you.
Eligibility
Other required documents will depend on your personal circumstances. A one-time payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the deceased; or, if living apart, was receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record. A surviving spouse will receive the larger of the two benefits or 90 percent thereof in the following month after the death.
Qualifications
The process of receiving survivors benefits depends on whether or not you already are receiving social security payments yourself. The Social Security Administrations recommends that you apply for benefits promptly, and you’ll need some information about your loved one’s death. O’Donnell Funeral Home will provide the documentation needed including proof of death and send it directly to social security for you.
Eligibility
Other required documents will depend on your personal circumstances. A one-time payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the deceased; or, if living apart, was receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record. A surviving spouse will receive the larger of the two benefits or 90 percent thereof in the following month after the death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to receive monthly Social Security benefits after a death?
Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits, including:
- A widow or widower age 60 or older (age 50 or older if disabled);
- A surviving spouse at any age who is caring for the deceased's child under age 16 or disabled;
- An unmarried child of the deceased who is younger than age 18 (or age 18 or 19 if he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or secondary school); or age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22;
- Parents, age 62 or older, who were dependent on the deceased for at least half of their support;
- A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances.
How much are benefits?
How much your family can get depends on your average lifetime earnings. The more you earn, the greater their benefits will be. A surviving spouse will receive a one time death benefit of $255.00.
What is the one-time lump sum death payment?
A one-time payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if he or she 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 is made to a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record in the month of death.
How do I apply for survivors benefits?
You can apply by phone or at any Social Security office. The Social Security Administration will need certain information depending on your circumstances, but don’t delay applying if you don’t have everything. They will need either original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. Apply for survivors benefits promptly because, for some claims, Social Security will pay benefits from the time you apply and not from the time the worker died. O’Donnell Funeral Home will also notify social security of your loved ones passing to make it easier for you.
How can I reach the Social Security Administration if I have more questions?
In addition to using the Social Security website, you can call them toll-free at 1.800.772.1213. Staff can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can also provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call the TTY number at 1.800.325.0778.
