Social Security

Special Lump-Sum Death Benefit

If you have earned enough credits, there is a special lump-sum benefit payment of $255 that can be paid to certain family members when you die.

This payment can be made only to your spouse or minor children if they meet certain requirements.

If you're a surviving widow or widower, you may be eligible to receive a special death benefit payment of $255 on the worker's record. This payment can be made only to a spouse or minor children who meet certain requirements. If you think you may be eligible, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213(TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Generally, this is how it applies:

First, the surviving spouse who was living in the same household with the worker when he or she died can receive the lump sum payment.

Second, if there's no eligible spouse to receive the payment, the lump sum can be paid to the worker's child (or children) who was:

• receiving benefits on the deceased worker's earnings record during the month in which the worker died; or

• eligible to receive benefits.

For more information about this lump sum payment, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

http://wwwwww.ssa.gov/survivorplan/ifyou7.htm