Social Security after a loss, and what survivors are owed
The money that goes unclaimed, and how to claim it.
In short
Social Security does not pass to the family, but survivors may be owed two things: a one-time payment of $255 for an eligible spouse or child, and, for some, monthly survivor benefits. One rule surprises almost everyone. The payment for the month of the loss is not payable and has to be returned, even though it usually arrives afterward.
Time
one call to start.
Cost
free. Never pay anyone to file this.
When
within two years for the one-time payment.
Who
an eligible surviving spouse or child, and in some cases others.
Does Social Security pay anything after a loss?
Yes, a single one-time payment of $255, called the lump-sum death payment. It is not automatic. Someone has to claim it, usually by calling Social Security, and the claim must be made within two years of the date of the loss.
It goes to a surviving spouse who was living with the person. A surviving spouse who was living apart can still receive it if they were already receiving benefits on the person's record, or became eligible for benefits because of the loss. If there is no surviving spouse, it can go to a child who is eligible for benefits on the person's record in the month of the loss. The amount is the same $255 in every case.
The rule that surprises almost everyone
To be due a Social Security benefit for a given month, a person has to be alive for the entire month. Social Security is also paid a month behind, so the payment that arrives for the month of the loss is not payable, and it has to be returned. In Social Security's own words, "any benefits received for the month of death and any later months are not due and must be returned."
If the benefit arrived by check, do not cash it, and return it. If it arrived by direct deposit, the bank will usually be asked to send it back. Report the loss to Social Security as soon as you can. A funeral home will often report it for you if you give them the person's Social Security number, but it is worth confirming that it was done.
Who can receive monthly benefits, and how much
Some family members can receive ongoing monthly benefits, each calculated as a share of the person's own benefit.
A surviving spouse at full retirement age or older: up to 100 percent.
A surviving spouse from age 60 to full retirement age: 71.5 percent up to 100 percent, rising with age.
A surviving spouse age 50 to 59 who has a disability: 71.5 percent.
A surviving spouse of any age who is caring for the person's child under 16: 75 percent.
A child under 18, or 19 if still in secondary school, or any age if the disability began before 22: 75 percent.
A dependent parent age 62 or older: 82.5 percent for one parent, or 75 percent each for two.
A family maximum limits what a single family can receive in total, generally between 150 and 180 percent of the person's own benefit. When the shares add up to more than that, they are reduced to fit.
The steps
Watch-outs
- The benefit for the month of the loss is not payable and must be returned, even though it usually arrives afterward. Do not spend that deposit.
- Apply within two years for the one-time payment of $255.
- If you already receive your own Social Security, ask how a survivor benefit interacts with it before you file, because the timing can change the amount.
Common questions
Does Social Security pay a death benefit?
- Yes, a one-time payment of $255 to an eligible surviving spouse or child, claimed within two years of the loss.
Do we keep the Social Security payment for the month of the loss?
- No. The benefit for that month is not payable and must be returned.
Can a surviving spouse receive monthly benefits?
- Yes, from 71.5 percent at age 60 up to 100 percent at full retirement age, and 75 percent at any age while caring for the person's child under 16.
Can children receive benefits?
- Yes, generally 75 percent of the parent's benefit, until 18, or 19 if still in school, and longer if the child has a qualifying disability.
Sources
- Lump sum death paymentopens in a new tab
- Survivors benefits, Publication 05-10008opens in a new tab
- Two year limit for the lump sum, Program Handbook 1517opens in a new tab
- Month of death rule, survivors benefit toolkitopens in a new tab
- Survivor benefit amounts by relationship and ageopens in a new tab
Related
- Survivor Benefits 101
- Reporting the loss to Social Security
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