Social Security Death Benefit
Who can get Social Security's $255 one-time death payment, how and when to apply, which payment must be returned, and a checker.
Social security death benefit checker
The $255 lump-sum death payment
Social Security pays a one-time $255 death benefit to a surviving spouse who was living with the worker, or a spouse living apart who was receiving or eligible for benefits on the worker's record. If there's no spouse, a child who is eligible for survivor benefits on the record (for example, 17 or younger, or a full-time student 18–19) can get it. You must apply within 2 years of the death. It isn't paid to an estate or used for funeral costs directly.
The month-of-death rule
Benefits are paid the month after they're due, and no benefit is payable for the month a person dies. So the payment received in the month after death must be returned; if it went by direct deposit, the bank usually sends it back to Treasury. Report the death to SSA (funeral homes usually do this) and stop any further payments.
Monthly survivor benefits
The $255 is small, but surviving spouses, children and dependent parents can also get monthly survivor benefits: up to 100% of the worker's benefit for a spouse at full retirement age. Estimate them with Social Security survivor benefits.
Common questions
How much is the Social Security death benefit?
A one-time payment of $255.
Who is eligible for the $255 death benefit?
A surviving spouse living with the worker (or eligible on the record), or if none, an eligible child.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Yes, within 2 years of the death.
Sources
More retirement calculators: Roth Conversion · Roth vs Traditional 401k
Related
- Social Security survivor benefits
- Social Security spousal benefits
- Inheritance tax
- Social security 1099
General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check important numbers with the official source before acting on them.