The Social Security Administration confirms that there is a one-time lump sum death payment. Therefore, you should be aware of this because you may need the money to pay for the necessary expenses.
What is more, apart from getting a one-time lump sum death payment, you may qualify for survivor benefits. In this way, you could receive monthly payments from the Social Security Administration as long as you remain eligible.
How much will i receive from social security for the lump sum death payment?
If you qualify for a one-time lump sum death payment, you could receive $255. Even if it does not seem to be much money, it is better than nothing. Inflation is making everything so expensive that it will be really helpful.
However, not everyone qualifies for this check worth $255. Social Security claims that it can only be sent to two groups of recipients. first, you could get it if you are a spouse. Second, you could obtain $255 if you are an eligible child.
Both of them must meet several requirements to receive this lump sum death payment worth $255. The thing is you must apply for this check, or else, you will not receive it. Hopefully, you have not missed the deadline to claim it.
What is the process for applying for the one-time lump sum death payment?
To apply for the Social Security one-time lump sum death payment of $255, follow these steps:
Determine Eligibility The payment is typically available to the surviving spouse who was living in the same household as the deceased at the time of death. If living apart, the spouse must have been receiving or became eligible to receive benefits on the deceased’s record during the month of death.
If there is no surviving spouse, the payment can be made to the deceased’s child if they were receiving or became eligible to receive benefits on the deceased’s record during the month of death.
Gather Necessary Information and Documents
- You will need the deceased’s Social Security number, name, date of birth, and date of death.
- Your own Social Security number and personal details.
- Documents such as the deceased’s death certificate, your proof of birth, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if not born in the U.S., and possibly the deceased’s recent W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns.
Contact Social Security Administration (SSA)
- You can apply by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Alternatively, you can visit your local Social Security office. Making an appointment might reduce your waiting time .
Follow Up: After submitting your application, keep track of any communications from SSA and respond to requests for additional information promptly.
Remember, you must apply for this payment within two years of the date of death unless you were already receiving certain types of benefits on the deceased’s record
How long after the passing allows social security to claim the $255 lump sum?
According to the Administration, survivors can apply for a one-time lump sum death payment worth $255 within 2 years. So, once your spouse or parent has passes away, you have two years to apply for it.
In order to apply for a Lump Sum Death Benefit, you must call or visit a Social Security Office. Their phone number is 1-800-772-1213, but you could use TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you are hard of hearing or deaf.
Even if it is not necessary to make an appointment, it would be advisable to make one. By doing so, you will save time. Do not forget that you will need to provide SSA with SSNs and a death certificate for the passing among other things.