Social Security Benefits
Who Receives Benefits?
- Widows or widowers older than 60 or at any age if caring for the deceased’s children under 16 years old
- Divorced spouses 60 or over, if they were married to the deceased for at least 10 years
- Disabled widows, widowers and divorced spouses age 50 or over
- Children under 18
- 18-19 y.o. children in elementary or high school full time
- Disabled children over 18 if they were disabled before their 22nd birthday
- Parents of the deceased, 62 or older, if they were being supported by the worker
How Do I Apply?
- You can apply for benefits by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213
- You can also stop in at any Social Security office and apply in person.
One Time Death Benefit
A one-time benefit is paid to a surviving spouse or dependent child eligible for benefits. The payment amount is $255.00 only.
What Info Is Needed?
- SS number
- A certified death certificate or Statement of Death by Funeral Director
- Tax returns or W-2 to prove earnings
- Applicant’s Birth Certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce Decree
- Children’s Birth Certificates and SS#’s (for child benefits only)
- Bank info for direct deposit (ie., blank VOIDED check)
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
SSI is a benefit for people 65 and older who are disabled or blind. A person on SSI may also be eligible for Medicaid, food stamps and other social services. Talk to your representative for more information.
Social Security Checks Received After Death
Any checks that arrive after the death will need to be returned to Social Security. Also notify the bank right away regarding the direct deposited checks.