Some of the deceased's family members may be able to receive Social Security benefits if the deceased person worked long enough under Social Security to quality for benefits. You should get in touch with Social Security as soon as possible to determine eligibility. Please read the following information carefully to learn what benefits may be available.
A one-time payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the deceased; or, if living apart, was receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased's record. If there is no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a surviving minor or dependent child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased's record in the month of death.
Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits, including:
The Social Security website is a valuable resource for information about all of Social Security's programs. There are a number of things you can do online.
In addition to using the Social Security website, you can call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Staff can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can also provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.