Social Security

We are pleased to offer assistance in the collection of Social Security Benefits. Rest assured that we will guide you through the entire process of working to gain any benefits that may be available.

The information below may help you better understand what types of information we may need and provide answers to some common questions.

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. Those who may receive monthly benefits are:

• A widow or widower age 60 (50 if disabled) or older or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled
• A divorced widow or widower age 60 (50 if disabled) or older if the marriage lasted 10 years or if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled
• Unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school full-time)
• Children who were disabled before reaching 22, as long as they remained disabled
• Dependent parent or parents 62 or older

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:

1. A surviving spouse who lived in the same household as the deceased person at the time of death
2. A surviving spouse eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death
3. A child or children eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death

We hope this information was helpful to you. Part of our service to you at the time of death, will be assisting you in ensuring you receive all of the benefits available to you.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.