The Social Security Act provides for the payment of survivor’s benefits to certain relatives if they fall into one of the following categories:
In addition to the monthly benefits, a special one-time payment of $255 can be paid to a spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death, or if there is none, to a spouse or a child/children who is eligible for benefits.
Within 30 days from the date of death, you should receive a letter from Social Security. This letter will provide further instruction concerning applying for entitled benefits. You can apply for benefits by phone or at any Social Security office.
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, any checks which arrive after the death must be returned. If benefit checks were being directly deposited, then the bank would also need to be notified.
For questions concerning eligibility, claims and entitled benefits, please contact Social Security directly at:
Social Security Administration
275 Chestnut Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(800) 772-1213