The Social Security death benefit is a one-time payment of $255 to the surviving spouse or minor children when a worker dies

When someone who receives Social Security passes away, their family may receive a lump-sum payment from Social Security. This is separate from any ongoing benefits the family might receive. The payment goes to whoever was living with the deceased at the time of death, or to the person who paid for the funeral — whichever applies. The amount is always $255, and it does not change based on how much the person was earning or how long they had been receiving benefits.

The death benefit itself is small, but it matters because it arrives quickly and requires no income test. Families often use it to cover immediate costs like funeral expenses or to help with bills in the first weeks after a death. The real financial support from Social Security usually comes through survivor benefits — ongoing monthly payments to a spouse, children, or dependent parent — which are separate from this one-time payment.

Key Takeaways

  • The death benefit is a one-time $255 payment that goes to the surviving spouse, minor children, or whoever paid for the funeral.
  • You must report the death to Social Security within a few days; the funeral home often does this, but you should confirm.
  • Surviving spouses and children may also receive ongoing monthly benefits, which are calculated based on the deceased's earnings record.
  • The death benefit does not reduce or affect survivor benefits that family members may receive.

Who receives the $255 payment

Social Security pays the $255 to whoever was living with the deceased at the time of death. If the deceased lived alone, the payment goes to the person who paid for the funeral — but you will need to show proof of those expenses. If multiple family members lived in the same household, Social Security will ask which one should receive the payment.

The payment is not divided among family members. It goes to one person, and that person may choose to use it for funeral costs, bills, or any other purpose. There is no requirement to spend it on the funeral, even though that is often what happens.

How to report a death to Social Security

Report the death as soon as possible — ideally within a few days. The funeral home will often report it for you, but do not assume they have done so. Call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. Have the deceased's Social Security number ready.

When you report the death, Social Security will stop the person's monthly benefit payments and begin processing the $255 lump sum. They will also ask whether there are surviving family members who might be due ongoing benefits. If you are unsure whether family members may have access to, Social Security staff can walk you through it on that same call.

Survivor benefits are different from the death benefit

The $255 is only the beginning. Surviving spouses, children under 19 (or up to 23 if in school full-time), and dependent parents may receive monthly payments based on the deceased's Social Security earnings record. These payments continue for as long as the person remains in that category — for example, until a child turns 19 or until a surviving spouse reaches full retirement age and chooses to stop.

The amount each family member receives depends on the deceased's average lifetime earnings and how many family members are receiving benefits. Social Security calculates a family maximum, which means the total paid to all survivors cannot exceed a certain percentage of what the deceased was earning. If multiple children may have access to, the payment is split among them.

What happens if the deceased was not yet receiving Social Security

The $255 death benefit is paid whether or not the person was receiving Social Security at the time of death. However, to receive survivor benefits, the deceased must have worked long enough to earn Social Security credits. Generally, this means working and paying Social Security taxes for at least 10 years, though younger workers who die may have earned enough credits already.

If the deceased had not worked long enough to may have access to, the family will still receive the $255 lump sum, but no ongoing survivor benefits. Social Security can tell you in one call whether the deceased had earned enough credits.

Timing and what to expect

The $255 payment is usually processed within two to four weeks after Social Security receives notice of the death. If the funeral home reported it, the timeline may be shorter. You can check the status by calling Social Security or visiting your local office.

Survivor benefits, if the family qualifies, take longer to set up. Social Security will contact may be able to access family members to explain what they may receive and what documents are needed. Payments typically begin within one to two months, though this varies depending on how quickly the family provides required paperwork like birth certificates or marriage licenses.

Documents you may need

To claim the death benefit or survivor benefits, have the following ready: the deceased's Social Security number, birth certificate, and death certificate. For survivor benefits, you will also need birth certificates for any children, a marriage certificate if claiming as a spouse, and proof of school enrollment if a child is over 18 but under 19 and in school.

Social Security will tell you exactly what they need when you contact them. If you do not have original documents, certified copies from the vital records office in the state where the person was born or died will work. Social Security can also help you understand how to obtain these if you do not have them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the $255 if the person was receiving SSI instead of Social Security?

No. The $255 death benefit is only for people who were receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients do not have a death benefit. However, SSI recipients' families may be due other assistance through their state.

Does the death benefit count as income for taxes or other benefits?

The $255 payment itself is not taxable income. It does not affect Medicare, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. However, any ongoing survivor benefits the family receives are subject to the same tax rules as regular Social Security benefits.

What if the person owed money to Social Security?

If the deceased received overpayments or owed a debt to Social Security, the agency may deduct that amount from the $255 before paying it out. They will notify you if this happens and explain the reason.

Can I receive both the death benefit and survivor benefits?

Yes. The $255 is a separate one-time payment. If you also may have access to for ongoing survivor benefits as a spouse or dependent, you will receive both — the lump sum now and monthly payments going forward.

Who do I contact if I do not receive the $255 within a reasonable time?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and provide the deceased's Social Security number and the date you reported the death. They can tell you the status and whether there are any issues holding up the payment.