SSI Death Benefits

The Social Security Administration makes a one time payment of $255 at the time of a person's death. There are guidelines and acceptance policies that must be met before the death benefit payment is issued.

Who Qualifies

Surviving spouses can qualify if they were either living with the deceased or living separately, as long as they were still legally married at the time of death. If there is no surviving spouse, a surviving child may qualify if they were eligible benefits through their connection to the deceased at the time of death.

Function

A death should be reported immediately to the Social Security Administration by calling [phone] or visiting any local Social Security office.

Warning

If the deceased was receiving monthly benefits from Social Security and the monthly payments continue to arrive after death, do not use this money--you will be required to repay it to the Social Security Administration at a later time. If the benefits are paid by direct deposit, you should notify the bank and ask that the funds be returned. If payments are made by check, the check should be returned promptly to the Social Security Administration.

Identification

You may be asked to provide either a death certificate or a statement from a funeral home to substantiate the death. You may also need to provide the deceased's Social Security number as well as your own.

Appeal

If you are denied the payment and feel you should receive it, you can appeal in writing no later than 60 days from the decision. Find a link to the instructions in Resources.

References

• SS Death Benefit

Resources

• SSA Death Benefit Appeals