About Social Security

About Social Security

We will notify Social Security of the death. You should telephone Social Security (number listed below) to file for any of the following benefits for which you may be eligible.

Burial Payment

One lump sum payment of $255 is payable in some instances upon death of a worker who paid into Social Security over a period of years. This payment is made in the following order:

1.  To the surviving widow/widower who was living with the worker at the time of the death,

2.  To the surviving widow/widower not living with the worker at the time of death if he/she is entitled to a benefit on the account at the time of death, or

3.  To surviving children eligible for benefits on the account at the time of death. 

Monthly Survivor Payment

If any of the children of the deceased are unmarried and under age 19, they may be due monthly benefits. This includes natural, adopted or stepchildren. If you are the widow or widower of the deceased, you may also be eligible for monthly Social Security checks if the deceased worked under Social Security covered employment and you meet any of the three requirements shown below:

1.  If you have children under age 16 in your care, you'll need your:

1. Marriage license.
2. Social Security number as well as the children's.
3. Children's birth certificates.
4. Deceased spouse's birth certificate if he/she was born after 1929.
5. Last year's tax return or W-2 form.

2.  If you are between the ages of 50 and 60 and are unable to work because of a disability, you will need your:

1. Marriage license.
2. Social Security number.
3. Proof of age (a birth or baptismal certificate).
4. Last year's tax return or W-2 form.
5. List of doctors & hospitals visited, addresses & dates of visits.

3.  If you are 60 years of age or older, you'll need your:

1. Marriage license.
2. Social Security number.
3. Proof of age (a birth or baptismal certificate).
4. Last year's tax return or W-2 form.