Does Social Security Help Pay for Funeral Expenses?
Get clear answers on how Social Security can assist families financially following a death. Understand available support and the application process.
Social Security offers financial support to surviving family members when a loved one passes away. This support includes a one-time payment and ongoing monthly benefits, providing income replacement.
Understanding the Social Security Lump-Sum Death Payment
Social Security offers a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 to eligible survivors. This payment provides immediate financial assistance. It is not intended to cover the entirety of funeral expenses, which can be significantly higher.
The payment is primarily made to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death. If there is no eligible spouse, the payment can be made to a child receiving or eligible to receive monthly benefits on the deceased’s record. If multiple eligible children exist, the $255 is divided evenly among them.
Applying for Social Security Benefits
Applying for Social Security benefits after a death requires contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly. Individuals can initiate the process by calling the SSA’s toll-free number or visiting a local Social Security office. Funeral homes often assist by reporting the death to the SSA if provided with the deceased’s Social Security number.
Applicants should gather several key documents to facilitate the process. These commonly include the deceased worker’s death certificate, the applicant’s Social Security number, and their birth certificate. Depending on the type of benefit sought, a marriage certificate for a surviving spouse, divorce papers for a surviving divorced spouse, or children’s birth certificates may also be necessary. Proof of the deceased’s income, such as W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the most recent year, and bank account information for direct deposit of benefits are also typically required. It is important to apply promptly, as some benefits may not be retroactive, and the SSA can assist in obtaining missing documents.
Other Social Security Survivor Benefits
Social Security provides ongoing monthly survivor benefits to eligible family members. These benefits are designed to replace a portion of the deceased worker’s earnings and can be a significant source of income for surviving families. The amount of these benefits is based on the deceased worker’s average lifetime earnings; higher earnings generally result in higher benefits.
Several categories of family members may qualify for monthly survivor benefits:
- A surviving spouse, with eligibility often depending on their age (as early as age 60, or 50 if disabled) or if they are caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or has a disability.
- Divorced spouses, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and other conditions are met.
- Unmarried children of the deceased under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school) or 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.
- Dependent parents aged 62 or older who relied on the deceased for at least half of their support.