Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotionally taxing experience. During these challenging times, financial concerns can add to the stress. Social Security offers a one-time $255 lump-sum death benefit to help ease some of the financial burdens that come with the loss of a family member. In this article, we will guide you through the process of claiming the $255 death benefit from Social Security.
1. Report the Death:
The first step in obtaining the death benefit is to report the death of your loved one to Social Security. You should do this as soon as possible because, in some cases, survivors’ benefits might be available, and these are generally paid from the month you apply, not the month of death. You can report the death by contacting your local Social Security office in person, by phone, or online. You will need to provide the deceased person’s Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death.
2. Gather Necessary Documents:
Before applying for the death benefit, you should have certain documents on hand. These may include:
The deceased person’s Social Security number.
Proof of death, such as a death certificate.
Proof of your relationship to the deceased, which may include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree.
Your own Social Security number.
Having these documents readily available will streamline the application process.
3. Contact Social Security:
You can apply for the $255 death benefit by visiting your local Social Security office, calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or applying online through the Social Security website. Online applications have become increasingly popular, as they provide a convenient and efficient way to apply for benefits.
4. Complete the Application:
When you contact Social Security, you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for the death benefit. You may need to fill out Form SSA-8, “Application for Lump-Sum Death Payment.” The application will typically require the following information:
Your relationship to the deceased.
The deceased’s Social Security number and date of birth.
Details about the deceased’s work history and earnings, such as the name of their last employer, the date of their last paycheck, and the type of work they did.
5. Await Processing:
After you submit your application, it will be processed by the Social Security Administration. The processing time can vary, but you can expect to receive the $255 death benefit within a few months. In some cases, it might take longer, depending on the volume of applications being processed.
6. Eligibility Criteria:
It’s important to note that the $255 death benefit is not available to everyone. To be eligible, you must be the surviving spouse or child of the deceased, and you must meet certain criteria. In the case of a surviving spouse, they must have been living in the same household as the deceased at the time of their death. If there is no surviving spouse, the benefit can be paid to a child who was eligible for benefits on the deceased person’s record in the month of their death.
7. Contact a Social Security Representative:
If you have questions or need further assistance regarding the death benefit or any other Social Security-related matter, you can reach out to a Social Security representative. They can provide guidance and answer any specific questions you may have.
In conclusion, the $255 death benefit from Social Security is a one-time payment designed to provide some financial assistance to surviving family members during a difficult time. It’s essential to promptly report the death and follow the necessary steps to claim the benefit. While the amount may not cover all the expenses associated with the loss of a loved one, it can help alleviate some of the immediate financial burdens, allowing the family to focus on the emotional healing process.
