Does everyone get the $255 death benefit from Social Security and how to know if you can apply for it?
- Author: Leo Olson
- Posted: 2026-09-24
The $255 Social Security death benefit is not automatically paid after every death. The one-time lump-sum payment is available only to certain surviving spouses or children, and eligible family members generally must apply within two years of the worker’s death.
The payment is separate from monthly Social Security survivor benefits, which may provide ongoing financial support to eligible spouses, divorced spouses, children and dependent parents.
Who can receive the payment?
A surviving spouse typically has first priority for the lump-sum death payment.
A spouse may qualify if they were living in the same household as the deceased worker when the worker died. A spouse who lived separately may still qualify in some situations if they were eligible for benefits based on the deceased worker’s Social Security record.
If there is no eligible spouse, certain children may qualify. Social Security generally considers children who are:
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17 or younger.
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18 or 19 and enrolled full time in elementary or secondary school.
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Any age if they have a disability that began before age 22.
Other relatives do not automatically become eligible. Siblings, adult children who do not meet Social Security’s requirements and other family members generally cannot claim the $255 payment simply because they are related to the deceased.
How to apply for the $255 death benefit
A funeral home will often report a death to Social Security. However, that report does not count as an application for the lump-sum payment. Eligible survivors must still contact Social Security and complete the required application.
To apply, survivors should:
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Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778.
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Ask about the Social Security lump-sum death payment.
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Follow instructions for contacting a local Social Security office.
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Complete Form SSA-8.
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File the application within two years of the worker’s death.
The Social Security Administration will review the application and determine whether the survivor meets the eligibility rules.
What information may be required?
Applicants may need to provide:
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The deceased worker’s Social Security number.
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The survivor’s Social Security number.
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Proof of marriage or another qualifying family relationship.
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Proof of a shared household, when required.
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School records for an eligible child.
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Medical evidence for a disabled child.
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Documents related to the deceased person’s estate, when applicable.
The exact paperwork depends on who is applying and the circumstances of the death.
Monthly survivor benefits are separate
The $255 payment is a single payment. Some family members may also qualify for monthly Social Security survivor benefits, which can be much more valuable over time.
Potentially eligible survivors include:
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A surviving spouse age 60 or older.
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A surviving spouse age 50 or older with a qualifying disability.
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A spouse of any age caring for the deceased worker’s child.
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An unmarried child who meets the age or disability requirements.
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A surviving divorced spouse who meets Social Security’s rules.
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A dependent parent age 62 or older.
A surviving divorced spouse may qualify for monthly benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and other requirements are satisfied.
Benefit amounts depend on the deceased worker’s earnings record and the survivor’s relationship, age and circumstances.
$255 payment vs. survivor benefits
| Program | What it provides | Who may qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Lump-sum death payment | One-time payment of $255 | Qualifying spouse or certain children |
| Survivor benefits | Ongoing monthly payments | Eligible spouse, divorced spouse, children or dependent parents |
Qualifying for one program does not necessarily mean a person qualifies for the other. Families should ask Social Security to review eligibility for both.
What families should do
After a worker’s death, survivors should contact Social Security promptly and ask about every available benefit.
The official Social Security survivor benefits page explains the application process and available programs. The agency also provides a detailed survivor eligibility guide for spouses, ex-spouses, children and dependent parents.
Survivors should:
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Confirm that the death was reported to Social Security.
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Ask specifically about the $255 lump-sum death payment.
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Apply before the two-year deadline.
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Ask whether anyone qualifies for monthly survivor benefits.
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Keep copies of applications and supporting documents.
Bottom line
The $255 Social Security death benefit is not available to everyone. It generally goes first to a qualifying surviving spouse and, when no eligible spouse exists, may be paid to certain children.
Because the payment is separate from monthly survivor benefits, families should contact Social Security as soon as possible to find out which benefits they may claim.
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