One-Time Lump Sum Social Security Death Benefit

Death benefits are available to survivors.

When someone dies, his/her survivor may be entitled to a one-time lump sum death benefit from the Social Security Administration. This is a cash payment made directly to the survivor, whether or not the deceased was receiving benefits at the time of death.

Social Security Death Benefit

The spouse (or child) of a deceased person may be entitled to this benefit if the deceased worked enough to qualify for Social Security benefits (40 calendar year quarters). The deceased did not have to be receiving retirement or disability benefits for his or her survivor to receive the lump sum benefit.

Amount of Benefit

As of January, 2010, the one-time lump sum death benefit was $255.

Spouse of the Deceased

If the spouse of the deceased is living (and was living in the same household as the deceased at time of death), he or she receives the lump sum benefit. If the spouses lived apart but the surviving spouse is receiving benefits based on the deceased's Social Security record, that spouse can also claim the death benefit.

Dependent Child

If there is no spouse to collect the death benefit, but a son or daughter of the deceased is receiving Social Security benefits based on the earnings of his/her parents, that child receives the death benefit.

Collecting the Death Benefit

Call the Social Security Administration to request an appointment at your local Social Security office. A Social Security Administration official can determine your benefits eligibility.

References

• Social Security Administration