How to Claim the $255 Social Security Lump Sum Death Benefit

The $255 Lump Sum Death Payment

Social Security pays a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 to eligible survivors of deceased workers. This amount has not changed since 1954 — it was designed to help cover burial costs when it was enacted, and while it barely covers a fraction of modern burial expenses, it remains available and you should claim it if you qualify.

Who Qualifies

The payment goes to the surviving spouse or, if there is no eligible spouse, to the surviving children. Specifically:

Surviving Spouse: The spouse qualifies if they were living with the deceased at the time of death, OR if they were living separately but were already receiving Social Security benefits based on the deceased's work record. A surviving spouse who remarried before age 60 generally does not qualify.

Surviving Children: If there is no eligible surviving spouse, the $255 payment goes to the deceased's children (including adopted children) who were eligible for Social Security benefits on the deceased's record in the month of death.

Important: this payment is not automatically made. You must apply. And if neither a qualifying spouse nor qualifying children exist, the benefit is not paid to anyone — it cannot go to parents, siblings, or the estate itself.

How to Apply

You cannot apply for this benefit online. You must either call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office in person.

When you call or visit, have the following ready:

• Certified copy of the death certificate
• The deceased's Social Security number
• Your own Social Security number
• Your birth certificate (or other proof of age)
• If applying as a spouse: your marriage certificate
• If applying as a child: proof of relationship (birth certificate)
• Bank account information for direct deposit

The 2-Year Deadline

Applications for the lump sum death payment must be filed within two years of the date of death. This is a hard deadline — missing it means permanently losing the benefit. Given how much else is happening in the aftermath of a death, it's worth adding this to your task list early.

What Else to Ask About

When you contact SSA about the lump sum payment, also ask about survivor benefits — the ongoing monthly payments that a spouse, children, or dependent parents may be entitled to receive. These are separate from the $255 payment and can be significantly more valuable. A single call can address both.