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Pick the one that best describes where you are. We'll take you step-by-step from there.
Immediate Steps
What to Do Right After a Death
1
Report the death to SSA: Call 1-800-772-1213. Funeral homes can also report the death.
2
Return SSA payments: Return any payments received for the month of death or later.
3
Gather necessary documents: Death certificate, deceased's SSN, marriage certificate if applicable.
4
Ask about survivor benefits: When reporting the death, inquire about all survivor benefits, not just the $255.
Red Alert: Do NOT cash or spend any SSA payments received for the month of death or later — they must be returned.
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
When you call to report the death, the representative should discuss ALL survivor benefits — not just the $255. If they don't bring it up, ASK.
Who Qualifies for the $255?
Qualification criteria for receiving the $255 lump-sum death payment:
- Surviving spouse: Living with the deceased at the time of death, or receiving benefits on their record.
- Others, if no spouse: Child under 18, child 18-19 in school full-time, or disabled adult child if disability began before 22.
- Work credits: The deceased must have had enough work credits for Social Security.
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
The $255 amount hasn't changed since 1954. Yes, 1954. There's been a bill to increase it to $2,900 but it hasn't passed yet.
How to Apply for the $255 Payment
Steps to apply for the lump-sum death payment:
1
Cannot apply online: You must call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
2
Have ready: Deceased's SSN, date of birth, date of death, your SSN, marriage certificate.
3
Filing deadline: 2 years from date of death.
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
Apply as soon as possible. While you have 2 years, it's best to handle this when you're already in contact with SSA about the death.
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Explore Other Survivor Benefits
Besides the $255 payment, other potentially valuable benefits include:
1
Widow(er) at FRA: 100% of deceased's benefit.
2
At age 60: 71.5%. Disabled widow(er) at 50: 71.5%.
3
Children under 18: 75%. Disabled adult child: 75%.
4
Dependent parent age 62+: 82.8%.
5
Divorced spouse: Same as spouse (if married 10+ years).
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
Survivor benefits can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime — the $255 is just the beginning.
Additional Funeral Assistance
Explore other sources of help for funeral costs:
1
VA burial benefits: Up to $2,000+ for service-connected death, $948 for non-service-connected.
2
State programs: Vary by state; check local resources.
3
County programs: Indigent burial programs available in many areas.
4
Nonprofit organizations: Some offer support for burial costs.
5
FEMA assistance: Available for disaster-related deaths.
6
Medicaid burial costs: Covered in some programs.
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
If the deceased was a veteran, VA burial benefits can be substantial — contact your local VA office or call 1-800-827-1000.
Timeline and Deadlines
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Day 1
Report death to SSA
Return any payments received for the month of death.
-
Within 30 days
Apply for LSDP and survivor benefits
Ensures timely processing and benefits protection.
-
Within 2 years
LSDP application deadline
Final deadline for lump-sum death payment application.
Insider Tip from Dr. Ed
The funeral home usually reports the death to SSA, but you still need to separately apply for the lump sum payment and any survivor benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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