When someone who was receiving Social Security passes away, the government offers a one-time payment of $255 to help the family cover immediate expenses. It’s called the lump-sum death payment, and while it’s not a large amount, it can provide a bit of financial relief during a tough time. But it’s not given out automatically—and not everyone qualifies for it.
This $255 isn’t available to every family member. It’s mainly meant for the surviving spouse or, in some cases, the deceased person’s children. For a spouse to be eligible, they usually must have been living with the deceased when they died. If they weren’t living together, they might still qualify if they were already getting benefits based on the deceased’s Social Security record.
As for children, they have to meet certain rules set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Usually, this means being unmarried and either underage or disabled.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
While the SSA doesn’t list every detail upfront, here’s the general idea:
- A surviving spouse can get the payment if they were living with the person at the time of death or were already receiving Social Security benefits based on the deceased’s record.
- Children may be eligible if they are unmarried and either under 18, still in school, or have a qualifying disability.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, the best step is to call the SSA or visit your local Social Security office to get clarification.
How to Apply for the Lump-Sum Death Payment
You’ll need to apply within two years of your loved one’s passing. It’s best not to wait too long, since gathering documents and processing everything can take time.
To apply, you can:
- Call Social Security at 800-772-1213, or
- Visit your nearest Social Security office in person.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Before starting the application, gather the required documents. Here’s what you should have on hand:
- Proof of death – either a death certificate or a statement from the funeral home
- Social Security numbers for both you and the deceased
- Your birth certificate
- If you’re the surviving spouse, you’ll also need a marriage certificate
- If divorced, you’ll need divorce papers if you’re applying as the ex-spouse
Extra Info for Children Applying
If the application is being made on behalf of a child, the following documents will also be needed:
- The child’s birth certificate
- Their Social Security number
- The deceased’s most recent W-2 forms or federal tax return
These help the SSA confirm the child’s eligibility and process the claim without issues.
When You’ll Get the Payment
Once the SSA approves the application, the $255 payment will be directly deposited into your bank account. Make sure your banking information is accurate to avoid delays. It’s important to know that this is a one-time payment and doesn’t affect any other survivor benefits you might qualify for from Social Security.
