Social Security makes cash payment to the survivors of qualified individuals. When the person who has died worked under Social Security, it is important to contact the local Social Security Office about benefits. A long delay in applying can result in the loss of some benefits.

Social Security benefits may include:

• A death payment to assist in meeting funeral expenses.
  Only to a surviving spouse or a minor child
• Survivor benefits (either a lump sum or monthly payments).
  Generally to dependent children
• Medicare benefits to help pay final medical bills.
  If the deceased was 65 or older

A statement of death is sent to the Social Security office by your funeral home. The Social Security Office will review the file to determine the following:

• Entitlement to Death Benefits (normally $255 to the surviving spouse or minor child)
• Establish new monthly Social Security benefit amount for the survivor (normally if spouse was receiving less than the deceased, their monthly check would be increased to the higher amount)
• Determine any other benefits (children under the age of 18, or any disabilities or back payments)
• If the surviving spouse has not heard from the Social Security Office in approximately three weeks, we recommend that they contact the Social Security Office by phone.

Applying for Benefits

You must apply to receive benefits by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by going on www.ssa.gov to find the nearest Social Security office.