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Social Security

Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries

6401 Security Boulvard, Room 4-C-5 Annex

Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Phone: 1-800-772-1213

www.ssa.gov

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Social Security Death Benefit

Social Security pays a one-time benefit of $255 to the spouse of the deceased. You must have been married at least nine months prior to the death. If the deceased was not married at the time of their death, there will usually be no death benefit. However, if the deceased as a dependent child, the child may receive the $255 benefit. 

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Social Security Survivor Benefits

This benefit provides monthly payments to spouses of deceased workers. Divorced spouses may also receive the beneift if married for 10 years or more and are currently unmarried or remarried after age 60.

 

This  benefit typically starts at age 60 (age 50 if disabled) or any age if caring for a child under16. Survivors can receive 71.5% to 100% of the deceased's benefit, depending on their age.

 

You receive 100% of the benefit at full retirement age and between 71.5%-99% if you are 60-60+. A surviving spouse (any age) caring for the deceased's child under age 16 or disabled can receive 75% of the benefit.

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​If you are receiving Social Security benefits on your spouse's work record, your payment will be changed to survivior's benefits when you report the death to Social Security. If you are receiving Social Security from your work history, you should inquire to see if you get more money by switching to survivor's benefits.

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Organizations To Notify

Death Certificates

A certified original death certificate will usually be required. Photocopies are often rejected due to possible fraud

  • LIfe Insurance--1 certificate for each company, regardless of the number of policies.

  • Veteran Benefits--1 certificate is required to file for benefits.

  • Banks--1 certificate for each bank. One certificate should be sufficient for mulitple accounts at the same bank.

  • Stocks--1 certificate for each company as long as the stock was individually or jointly owned. However, you will need 1 for each brokerage company used if the broker held the stock.

  • Bonds--1 certificate for each company for corporate bonds. U.S. Savings Bonds will require just 1 certficate.

  • License Branch--1 certificate to apply for final payroll and /or benefits.

  • IRA's--1 certificate for each financial institution that holds the IRA account.

  • Pension Funds--1 certficate for each pension fund.

  • CDs--1 certificate for each bank or financial institution that holds CDs.

  • Health Insurance--May require 1 certificate.

  • 401k/403B/Retirement Plans--1 certificate for each plan.

  • Income Tax--1 certificate for each country, state and federal income tax filing.

  • Real Estate--1 certificate for each country where property was owned.

  • Probate Attorney--If the estate is to be probated, several addtional death certificates will be required.

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