Who can get Social Security survivors benefits?
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefits received for the month of death and any later months. If the payment was received by direct deposit, contact your financial institution and request the payment be returned. If benefits were received as a check, please do not cash. Instead return it to Social Security as soon as possible.
Eligible family members may be able to receive survivors' benefit for the month the beneficiary died.
Who's eligible?
Social Security will pay a one-time lump sum death payment of $255 to the surviving spouse under the following conditions:
- If they were living with the deceased
- If they were living apart from the deceased and eligible for certain Social Security benefits on the deceased's record.
- If there's no surviving spouse, a child who's eligible for benefits on the deceased's record in the month of death can receive payment.
Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits, including:
- A surviving spouse who is:
-Age 60 or older (age 50 or older if they have a disability).
-Any age and caring for the deceased's child who is under 16, or who has a disability , and is receiving Social Security benefits.
- An unmarried child of the deceased who is either:
-Younger than age 18 (or up to age 19 if they're a full-time student in an elementary or . secondary school).
-Age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.
- A stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or adopted child under certain circumstances.
- 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.
Contacting Social Security
There are several ways to contact Social Security including online, by mail, by phone, or in person.
Social Security offers many automated services by telephone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you may not need to speak with a representative. Call toll free at 1-800-772-1213 or the TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. if you are deaf or hard of hearing. For quicker access try calling early in the day ( between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.)
Visit Survivors Benefit webpage at www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ for more information.