Social Security Death and Survivor Benefits

Lump-Sum Death Benefit

Social Security provides a one-time lump-sum death benefit of $255 when a person who has worked and paid into Social Security passes away.

This payment may be made to:

• A surviving spouse who was living with the deceased, or who was living apart but receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record
• A surviving child, if there is no eligible spouse, who qualifies for benefits on the deceased’s record during the month of death

If no spouse or child meets these requirements, the lump-sum benefit is not payable. Please note that this benefit cannot be paid to a funeral home, cemetery, or the estate.

How We Assist You

After arrangements are completed, we handle the required notification to Social Security on your behalf. We electronically submit Form SSA-721, “Statement of Death by Funeral Director,” and file the death through Missouri’s Electronic Death Registration System.

In most cases, this process is sufficient, and you will not need to provide a certified death certificate to Social Security.

👉 You may click here to visit Social Security’s Lump-Sum Death Benefit information page.

Social Security Survivors Benefits

Social Security survivors benefits are designed to help ease the financial impact following the loss of a loved one. Nearly all children under age 18 are eligible for monthly benefits when a working parent dies, and other family members may qualify as well.

Anyone who has worked and paid Social Security (FICA) taxes earns survivor protection for their family. The amount of work required depends on the worker’s age at death—as little as 1½ years for younger workers, and no more than 10 years for anyone.

Family Members Who May Be Eligible

Survivors benefits are commonly available to:

• Widows and widowers age 60 or older
• Widows and widowers of any age caring for the deceased’s child under age 16 or who is disabled\
• Divorced spouses age 60 or older, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years
• Widows, widowers, and divorced spouses age 50 or older who are disabled
• Children:
• Up to age 18
• Ages 18–19 if attending elementary or high school full time
• Over age 18 if disabled before age 22
• Parents of the deceased age 62 or older, if they were dependent on the worker for support 
  
  

Applying for Benefits

If you were already receiving spousal benefits at the time of your spouse’s death, Social Security may automatically convert those payments to survivors benefits once the death is reported. Benefits for eligible children are typically adjusted automatically as well.

For More Information or Assistance

You may contact or visit any Social Security office, or call their toll-free number:

📞 1-800-772-1213

Representatives are available Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

You can also visit Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Local Social Security Offices

• Social Security Administration – Fenton
  650 Gravois Bluffs Blvd.
  Fenton, MO 63026
  Monday–Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Social Security Administration – Creve Coeur
  1215 Fern Ridge Parkway, Suite 100
  Creve Coeur, MO 63141
  Monday–Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.