Social Security Survivor Benefits: Eligibility, Payments, and How to Apply

Last verified July 30, 2026.

Social Security has two different survivor-benefit paths: monthly benefits for eligible family members and a one-time lump-sum death payment. Eligibility depends on the deceased worker's record and the survivor's relationship, age, disability status, and other facts.^[1]

These programs have separate rules. A person may qualify for one, both, or neither. The Social Security Administration can review the complete record and tell you which applications apply.

Monthly survivor benefits may be available to a surviving spouse, a surviving divorced spouse, a child, or a dependent parent. A surviving spouse may qualify at age 60 or older, or at age 50 or older if the spouse has a qualifying disability. A spouse caring for the deceased worker's child who's under 16 or has a disability may qualify at any age. Children and some divorced spouses may also qualify.^[1]

Relationship length, remarriage, work earnings, the worker's insured status, and other facts can change the answer. Dependent parents have their own eligibility test. Call Social Security for a determination based on the person's record rather than assuming a family member is excluded.

Monthly benefits are based on the deceased worker's primary insurance amount. A surviving spouse's payment can range from 71.5% to 100% of the worker's benefit depending on the survivor's age when benefits begin. Earnings limits can apply when a survivor works before full retirement age.^[2]

A family maximum can reduce individual payments when several people receive benefits on the same earnings record. The amount shown in a survivor estimate is personal to that record. Social Security can explain how retirement benefits, survivor benefits, work income, and filing age interact before the survivor chooses a start date.

The lump-sum death payment is a one-time payment of up to $255. A spouse may qualify, including some spouses who were living apart. If no spouse qualifies, some children may be eligible. The application must be filed within two years of the death.^[3]

This payment is separate from monthly survivor benefits. Ask Social Security about both during the same contact.

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, and say that you need to apply for survivor benefits after a death. Social Security currently directs survivors to apply by phone or through an office for monthly benefits. The lump-sum payment page also provides an online application path for eligible users.^[3]

Apply promptly. The two-year deadline applies to the lump-sum payment, and the start date for monthly benefits can affect the amount paid.

Social Security may ask for proof of death, Social Security numbers, birth records, marriage or divorce records, the deceased worker's recent tax forms, and bank information for direct deposit. The exact list depends on the survivor category.^[4]

Don't delay the first call because one document is missing. The representative can identify what's needed and explain how to provide it.

Keep the claim confirmation, the name of the representative, and copies of every submitted document. If the eligibility decision is unclear, ask for the rule in writing or speak with a qualified Social Security benefits attorney.