Social Security
The following checklist is designed to help you file for your Social Security benefits correctly so that prompt payments may be made.
ELIGIBILITY
The deceased worker must have credit for work covered by Social Security, ranging from 1 1/2 to 10 years depending on his or her age at death.
BENEFICIARIES
A widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) may receive benefits based on the eligibility of the deceased worker, or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is disabled or under the age of 16.
A divorced widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) may also receive benefits under the deceased workers eligibility, if the marriage lasted 10 years, or if caring for an entitled child who is disbled or under 16 years of age.
Unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school full lime) may receive benefits under the deceased workers eligibility.
Children who were disabled before reaching 22, as long as they remain disabled, may also be eligible for benefits. A parent who is dependant or age 62 or more, may also be eligible.
LUMP-SUM DEATH PAYMENT
A one time payment of $255 is paid in addition to the monthly cash benefits described above. The lump-sum death payment (LSDP) is paid in the following priority order: A surviving spouse who lived in the same household as the deceased person at the time of death. A surviving spouse eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death. A child or children eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death.
APPLYING FOR BENEFITS
If a spouse is known to Social Security to be eligible for a lump-sum death benefit or monthly benefit, these benefits may be paid automatically. However, we recommend that you take the time to verify that you will receive all benefits to which you are entitled. You may apply at any Social Security office or, if you wish, you may apply by telephone. Just dial the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 and the operator will schedule an appointment for you or arrange for the local Social Security office to take your claim by telephone.
SOCIAL SECURITY TELESERVICES
You may call Social Security toll-free, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The number to use is 1-800-772-1213. To speak with a representative, call between the hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm on regular business days. At other times and on weekends and holidays, you may leave a message and they will call you back, in most cases, the next business day. You may use the toll-free number to make an appointment either in a Social Security office or telephone to apply for benefits, transact other Social Security business, or just ask questions.
SOCIAL SECURITY ON LINE
You may also contact Social Security via the internet at www.socialsecurity.gov
Although it is possible to receive the answers to many of your questions and to resolve some of your issues, some things may still have to be done in person or by mail.
