Social Security Benefits
 A Guide to Your Social Security & Veterans Benefits
What are you entitled to? Follow this informative guide to determine which benefits you deserve.
Who is eligible?
The deceased worker must have credit for work covered by Social Security, ranging from 1 ½ to 10 years, depending on his or her age at death.
Who can receive monthly benefits?
You may receive monthly Social Security benefits if you are:
- A widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled), or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled.
- A divorced widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) if the marriage lasted 10 years, or if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled.
- Unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school full-time).
- Dependent parent or parents 62 or older.
What is a lump-sum death payment?
In addition to the monthly cash benefits described above, a one-time payment of $255 is paid. This lump-sum death payment (LSDP) is paid in the following priority order:
- A surviving spouse who lived in the same household as the deceased person at the time of death.
- A surviving spouse eligible for, or entitled to, benefits for the month of death.
- A child or children eligible for, or entitled to, benefits for the month of death.
How do you apply?
You may apply at any Social Security office or by telephone between the hours of 7 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday at (800) 772-1213. Before calling, have the following information ready:
- Marriage Certificate
- Children's Birth Certificates
- Proof of Widow(er)'s age
- Spouse's Social Security number
- Previous year's W-2 or Schedule C
- Death Certificates
You may use the toll-free number to make an appointment either in a Social Security office or telephone to apply for benefits, transact other Social Security business, or just ask questions.
You must apply in order to receive benefits. Additional information is available from the Social Security Administration official web site at www.socialsecurity.org |
