Social security death benefits

When a loved one passes away, their Social Security Death Benefits can be collected by their surviving relatives. Monthly survivors benefits can be paid to certain family members, including the beneficiary’s widow or widower, dependent children and dependent parents.

According to the Social Security Administration website, a one-time payment of $255 is payable to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the beneficiary at the time of death. If they were living apart, the surviving spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits on the beneficiary’s earnings record for the month of death.

If there is no surviving spouse, the beneficiary’s child can collect the benefits on the beneficiary’s earnings record in the month of their death.

To claim these benefits, family members or whoever is managing the beneficiary’s affairs should:

• Promptly notify Social Security of the beneficiary’s death by calling SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. (TTY 1-800-325-0778.)
• If monthly benefits were being paid via direct deposit, notify the bank or other financial institution of the beneficiary’s death. Request that any funds received for the month of death and later be returned to Social Security as soon as possible.
• If benefits were being paid by check, DO NOT CASH any checks received for the month in which the beneficiary died or thereafter. Return the checks to Social Security as soon as possible.