Who is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, and how do I apply?

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When someone who worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, their family members may be eligible for two types of help: a one-time lump-sum death payment and ongoing monthly survivor benefits. In most cases, you don't need to report the death yourself — funeral homes routinely notify the Social Security Administration as part of handling final arrangements. If a funeral home isn't involved, or the death hasn't been reported for some other reason, call SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and be ready to provide the deceased person's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death. SSA pays a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255. A surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death is generally eligible; a spouse living apart may still qualify if already receiving benefits on the deceased's record. If there's no eligible spouse, the payment can go to an eligible child instead. You must apply for this payment within two years of the death — after that window closes, it can no longer be paid. You can start the application online through a personal my Social Security account, or by calling SSA and telling the representative you want to apply for the lump-sum death payment. Beyond the one-time payment, certain family members can receive ongoing monthly survivor benefits based on the deceased worker's earnings record. A widow or widower generally qualifies at age 60 or older (50 or older if they have a disability), provided they were married at least 9 months before the death and haven't remarried before that same age threshold; a caregiver for the deceased's child can qualify at any age. Divorced spouses may also be eligible if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Unmarried children can receive benefits if they're 17 or younger, 18–19 and still in full-time K-12 school, or any age if a qualifying disability began before age 22. Dependent parents age 62 or older who relied on the deceased for financial support may also qualify. Survivor benefit amounts are a percentage of the deceased worker's Social Security benefit, and the percentage a surviving spouse receives depends on how early they claim it. Payments start around 71.5% of the deceased's benefit at the earliest eligible age of 60, then rise the longer you wait — typically over 75% at 61, over 80% at 63, and over 90% at 65 — reaching 100% once you hit your full retirement age for survivor benefits, generally between 66 and 67 depending on birth year. Because the exact figures depend on the deceased worker's earnings history, SSA can only give you a specific benefit estimate by phone or at a field office, not as a general online calculation. You can begin a survivor benefits claim online through SSA's application system or by calling the national number above, but because the process typically requires original or certified copies of documents — the death certificate, your marriage or birth certificate, and the deceased's W-2 or tax return in some cases — many survivors find it faster to work with a local Social Security field office directly, especially if any documents are missing or a name doesn't match exactly. Your local office can also confirm exactly which paperwork applies to your specific situation before you make a trip. If you'd rather handle this in person, or you're unsure what documents your specific situation requires, use the location search on this site to find the Social Security field office nearest you, then call ahead to confirm its current hours and whether you need an appointment before visiting.

Social Security Survivor Benefits

Quick facts

Reporting a death

The lump-sum death payment

Who can get monthly survivor benefits

How much you could receive

How to apply

Find your local field office

Who may be eligible

Verify directly with the source

Find your nearest Social Security office