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Social Security Benefits After a Loss

You must apply to receive benefits — they are not automatically issued. You can apply in person at any Social Security office, by phone, or online at www.ssa.gov. To apply by phone, call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213. An operator will schedule an appointment or arrange for a telephone claim.

Social Security is available 24/7 for general inquiries. To speak with a live representative, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. After hours, leave a message and they will return your call the next business day. You can also visit www.ssa.gov to apply for benefits, check eligibility, or ask questions online.
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Benefit Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security survivor benefits, the person who passed must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Required work credits vary from 1 1/2 to 10 years, based on age at the time of death.

Who qualifies for monthly benefits:

  • Surviving Spouses: Age 60 or older, age 50 if disabled, or any age if caring for a child under 16 or disabled.
  • Divorced Surviving Spouses: Age 60 or older, age 50 if disabled, if the marriage lasted 10 years, or while caring for a qualifying child.
  • Unmarried Children: Up to age 18, or 19 if attending primary or secondary school full time.
  • Children With Disabilities: If the disability began before age 22 and continues.
  • Dependent Parents: Age 62 or older.

Social Security Lump-Sum Death Payment

A one-time payment of $255 is available in addition to monthly benefits. The payment is issued in this order of priority:

  • Surviving spouse who lived with the deceased at the time of death.
  • Surviving spouse eligible for benefits during the month of death.
  • Eligible children of the deceased.
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Applying for
Social Security Benefits

Social Security benefits are not issued automatically. You must apply to receive them. Applications are accepted in person at a Social Security office, by phone, or online at ssa.gov.

To apply by phone, call 1-800-772-1213. A representative will help schedule an appointment or start a telephone claim.

For general information, Social Security offers automated phone support 24 hours a day. To speak with a live representative, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. After hours, leave a message and someone will return your call the next business day. You may also visit ssa.gov to review eligibility, apply for benefits, or find answers online.