Find out who qualifies for the $255 Social Security death benefit, and the documents you need to apply for this benefit. 3 min read.
When a Social Security-insured worker dies, close family members of the deceased worker may be eligible to claim various benefits from Social Security. One of these benefits is the one-time lump sum payment of $255, a separate benefit from survivor benefits.
Only the surviving spouse or child of the deceased worker can collect the $255 death benefit. When a worker dies, Social Security gives priority to the surviving spouse who was living with them at the time of death or who was living apart but getting family benefits based on the worker’s earnings record. A child of the deceased worker gets the death benefit if he or she gets or is eligible to get survivor benefits on the worker’s earnings record and there is no qualifying surviving spouse.
When a loved one passes away, dealing with financial matters is probably the last thing on your mind. However, Social Security offers a modest one-time payment of $255 that might help with immediate expenses. This lump sum death benefit hasn’t increased since 1954, but every bit helps during difficult times.
Who Can Receive the $255 Death Benefit?
The payment is fairly limited in terms of who can claim it
- A surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death
- A surviving spouse who wasn’t living with the deceased but is eligible for certain Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record
- If there’s no eligible surviving spouse, a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record
How to Apply for the Death Benefit
You cannot apply for this benefit online. You must either:
- Call Social Security’s national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- Visit your local Social Security office in person
While an appointment isn’t required, scheduling one ahead of time can reduce your waiting time.
Documents and Information You’ll Need
When applying, be prepared with:
Required Documents
- Death certificate of the deceased worker
- Birth certificate or other proof of birth
- Proof of U.S. citizenship if not born in the United States
- U.S. military discharge papers (if service before 1968)
- W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns from last year
Important note Social Security will accept photocopies of W-2 forms and tax returns, but they need to see original versions of most other documents. Don’t worry though – they’ll return them to you.
Information to Provide
You’ll need to answer questions about:
- Your name and Social Security number
- The deceased worker’s personal information (name, SSN, date of birth)
- Date and place of death
- Whether the deceased ever filed for Social Security benefits
- The deceased’s work history, including any military service
- Information about any former spouses of the deceased
- Details about any eligible children
- The deceased’s recent earnings
- Whether the deceased had dependent parents
If you’re the surviving spouse, be prepared to answer additional questions about your own work history and benefit eligibility.
Time Limits for Applying
You should apply promptly. As a general rule, the death benefit must be claimed within two years of the death.
Payment Method
I suggest that you bring your bank information with you (like a checkbook) so that you can set up direct deposit when you apply. This avoids potential issues with lost or delayed checks.
What if I Don’t Have All the Documents?
Don’t delay your application if you’re missing some documents. Social Security can help you obtain the necessary paperwork. The most important thing is to start the process.
Is the Death Benefit Taxable?
This one-time payment is typically not subject to federal income tax
What to Expect After Applying
Processing times vary, but the payment is typically issued within a few weeks after your application is approved. If you set up direct deposit, you’ll receive the funds faster than waiting for a paper check.
Remember, while $255 might not seem like much compared to funeral costs (which can exceed $7,000), it’s still money that can help during a difficult time. The application process is straightforward, though it does require a phone call or in-person visit.
If you have questions about your specific situation, contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office for personalized assistance.
History of the Lump Sum Death Benefit
A lump-sum death benefit was part of the original Social Security Act of 1935. It was given to the families of workers who died before they turned 65, which was the full retirement age. It was paid to families who would have paid Social Security taxes but received no benefits.
When the Social Security Act was amended in 1939 to include monthly Social Security benefits, the amendment retained a limited death benefit that was only paid to surviving family members who would not qualify for benefits based on the deceased workers earnings history. The benefit was paid to a family member or individual who incurred the funeral costs of the deceased worker, and it equaled six times the primary insurance amount (PIA).
A 1950 amendment expanded eligibility to survivors who received monthly benefits, meaning that the benefit was now paid for every death of a Social Security-insured worker. The payment formula was also reduced from six times to three times the PIA. In 1954, the death benefit was capped at $255. By 1974, the minimum PIA has reached $85, meaning the lowest death benefit was $255. Since 1982, all lump-sum death benefits have equaled $255 to date, and this means the inflation-adjusted value of this benefit has declined over the years.
What is the lump-sum death benefit?
The Lump-sum death benefit is a federally-funded benefit that is managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA makes a lump-sum death benefit of $255 to the surviving spouse or eligible dependent children of the deceased.
If a spouse or child was already getting family benefits based on the worker’s earnings record when they died, Social Security will pay them the death benefit when the death is reported. If no family member was receiving benefits before the death occurred, the eligible survivor must apply for the death benefit.
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FAQ
How do I apply for the $255 death benefit?
You can apply for benefits by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.
Who is eligible for the $2500 death benefit?
If someone has died, they must have paid into the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and done so for at least three calendar years, or one-third of the years they were eligible to pay into the base CPP system. A total of 10 calendar years.
Why does Social Security only pay $255 at death?
The $255 Social Security lump-sum death payment remains unchanged because it was fixed at that amount in 1954, when the benefit was set to three times the maximum monthly benefit payable at the time.
What are the requirements to claim death benefits?
Death Certificate duly registered with LCR or issued by the PSA of the following, whichever is applicable: . Birth Certificate of the deceased member. Joint Affidavit (CLD-1. 3) preferably by the relatives of the deceased member. For legal heirs, birth certificate of at least two (2) legal heirs.
How do I apply for a $255 death benefit?
To apply for the $255 death benefit, call the Social Security hotline at 800 772 1213 or head to your nearest Social Security office. Booking an appointment ahead of time can help you save time and get started quickly on the path to getting benefits.
Who is eligible for the $255 death benefit from Social Security?
No, not everyone is eligible to receive the $255 death benefit from Social Security. To be eligible for this payment, you must have been a surviving spouse or other qualifying relative of the deceased individual. A child who is not married and has a disability could also receive the $255 death benefit.
How much is a death benefit on social security?
When a Social Security beneficiary dies, their family or other representatives get a one-time payment of $255 from Social Security. This is called the Death Benefit. This benefit is also known as the Social Security Widow’s Benefit. How Much Is The One-Time Survivors Benefit? The death benefit is a one-time payment of $255.
How do I apply for the Social Security death benefit?
If you are a surviving spouse or child, you have 2 years from the date of the individual passing away to apply for the Social Security death benefit. You can apply for the $255 lump-sum payment by phone or by visiting a local Social Security office. To apply for the Social Security Death Benefit by phone you’ll need to call 800.772.1213.
How much is a death benefit if a person dies?
The death benefit is a one-time payment of $255. You or the deceased individual will need to have at least 40 credits (10 years of work or contributions to Social Security) to pass on the survivor’s benefits to family members. Editor’s Note: You can learn more about how Credits are earned by visiting the Social Security Credits page.
How do I get a $255 death payment?
Sign up for a free phone call from a local advocate within one business day. When applying for the $255 Death Payment, the following documents may be required: Military Discharge Paper: If the deceased had military service before 1968. W-2 Forms or Self-Employment Tax Returns: From the last year. Death Certificate: For the deceased worker.