How Can I Get Help From Social Security for Funeral Expenses?

The Social Security Administration offers a lump-sum death payment of $255 to eligible survivors if the person who died worked for a specific length of time at a job that provided Social Security benefits. The lump sum payment is not provided automatically, the eligible surviving spouse or child is required to apply to receive the payment within two years of their loved one’s date of death. 

Eligible individuals who are seeking to apply for the payment must complete form SSA-8 from the Social Security Administration, which can be found online or completed over the phone. The following documents should be gathered prior to completing the form to ensure that all of the necessary information is available:

• Verified copy of death certificate 
• Proof of birth or a birth certificate 
• Current W-2 forms or self-employment forms from the previous year
• Proof of citizenship or lawful alien status 
• Military discharge papers (only if the discharge was prior to 1968)

The Social Security Administration also recommends locating a checkbook or other documentation that includes an account number at a financial institution for ease of access in signing up for Direct Deposit during the application process. In addition to these documents, the eligible individual applying for the payment will be expected to answer a series of questions pertaining to the deceased. These questions can include: 

• The applicant’s name and Social Security number 
• The deceased individual’s name, date of birth, gender, and Social Security number
• The date and place of death 
• Whether the deceased filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income
• Whether the deceased was in active military service
• Whether the deceased was unable to work due to illness, health conditions, or injuries during the 14 months prior to their death
• Whether the deceased worked in the railroad industry for 7 years
• Whether the deceased earned Social Security credits in another country’s social security system 
• Names, dates of birth, ages, and Social Security numbers of the deceased’s spouses, as well as marriage dates 
• Names of the deceased worker’s unmarried children 
• The amount of the deceased worker’s earnings during the year of death and the previous year 
• Whether the deceased had a parent who was a dependent for at least half of their support at the time of death 
• Whether the deceased and surviving spouse were living together at the time of death 

If the applicant is the surviving spouse, additional questions will be asked. If the applicant is not the surviving spouse, the Social Security Administration will request that the name and address of the surviving spouse be provided. It is important to note that the death benefit is a one-time payment and is not the same as the monthly benefits that are paid out to eligible survivors. Individuals that may be eligible for monthly survivors benefits can include:

• A surviving spouse, who is:
  • Full retirement age or older
  • Age 60 
  • With a disability, aged 50 through 59 
  • Any age, caring for a child under age 16 
• A child under age 18
  • Under age 19 if the child is in elementary or secondary school, or
  • With a disability 
• Dependent parents, age 62 or older 

The amount of survivors benefits paid out on a monthly basis will vary based on which criteria the eligible individual fits from the above list. In general, if the person who died had a higher amount paid into Social Security, their survivors can expect to have higher benefits per month. Additionally, survivors should be aware that there are limits on how much they can earn while receiving benefits.

Sources

“Find government benefits and financial help”. USAGov. https://www.usa.gov/benefit-finder?utm_source=usa_benefits-gov&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=redirect_benefits-gov&modal=b-welcome-1899 

“Form SSA-8 | Information You Need To Apply For Lump Sum Death Benefit”. Social Security Administration. https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-8.html 

“Does Social Security Pay for Funeral Expenses?” Help Advisor. https://www.helpadvisor.com/social-security/does-social-security-pay-for-funeral-expenses 

“Survivor Benefits”. Social Security Administration.  https://www.ssa.gov/survivor#h0 

“Receiving Benefits While Working”. Social Security Administration. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html#h1