Social Security Lump Sum Death Benefit
After your death, your family may be eligible to receive a one-time death benefit payment. In order to meet eligibility requirements, you must have contributed to the Social Security system for the requisite number of working quarters.
1 Social Security Payments
Not all U.S. workers pay into Social Security. For example, many teachers, firefighters, and police officers who contribute to a state retirement fund are prohibited from receiving Social Security death benefits. Check with the Social Security Administration to see if you are eligible.
2 Requisite Quarters
Check your yearly Social Security statement to see how many quarters you have paid into Social Security and whether these payments meet the requirements for death benefits.
3 Recipients
Only your spouse or your child (if you are divorced, separated or unmarried) can receive the one-time Social Security death benefit payment.
4 Lump Sum
Assuming you have met all the requirements, your family may receive a lump sum of $255 to help with funeral expenses upon your death.
5 Other Benefits
In addition to the lump-sum death benefit, your widow or widower, children, divorced spouse, or dependent parents may be eligible for ongoing death benefits from the Social Security Administration. Check online at ssa.gov.
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