What the Social Security Death Benefit Covers

When a worker covered by Social Security dies, the Social Security Administration pays a one-time death benefit of $255 to the person or household that paid for the funeral and burial expenses. This is a fixed amount — it does not change based on the worker's earnings history or how long they worked. The payment goes to whoever can document that they paid those costs, not automatically to family members.

The death benefit is separate from the ongoing monthly payments that surviving family members may receive. A widow, widower, child, or parent of the deceased worker may be able to receive monthly benefits based on the worker's Social Security record, but those are different payments with different rules. The $255 is meant only to help cover the when ready cost of a funeral.

To receive the death benefit, someone must contact Social Security and provide proof of the funeral expenses paid. The Social Security Administration does not automatically send this money — a family member or the funeral home must file a claim.

Key Takeaways

  • The death benefit is a one-time payment of $255, paid to whoever can show they paid for funeral or burial costs.
  • This payment is separate from monthly survivor benefits that a widow, widower, child, or parent may receive based on the worker's earnings record.
  • Someone must contact Social Security and provide receipts or proof of funeral expenses to receive the $255 payment.
  • The worker must have been covered by Social Security at the time of death, which includes most people who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
  • The death benefit does not depend on how much the worker earned or how long they worked — it is always $255.

Who Can Receive the Death Benefit

The person who receives the $255 death benefit must be able to show that they paid for the funeral, burial, or cremation costs. This is usually a spouse, adult child, or parent of the deceased worker, but it can be anyone who paid those expenses and can document them. Social Security does not require the person to be a family member.

The worker must have been covered by Social Security at the time of death. This includes most people who worked in the United States and paid Social Security taxes through their paychecks. Self-employed people who paid self-employment tax are also covered. Government employees hired before 1984 may not be covered, depending on their pension system.

If the worker was receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits when they died, they were definitely covered. If they were not yet receiving benefits, Social Security will check their work record to see if they had enough credits to be covered at death.

How to File for the Death Benefit

The person who paid for funeral expenses should contact Social Security as soon as possible after the death. They can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a local Social Security office in person. Social Security also accepts claims by mail, though calling or visiting in person is usually faster.

When filing, bring or have ready the following documents: the worker's Social Security number, a certified copy of the death certificate, proof of the funeral or burial costs (receipts or invoices from the funeral home), and proof that you paid those costs (cancelled checks, credit card statements, or a receipt in your name). If you are not a family member, you may need to show additional proof that you paid the expenses.

Social Security will review the claim and send the $255 payment to the person who filed. The payment usually arrives within two to four weeks, though this can vary. If multiple people claim they paid the expenses, Social Security may split the $255 among them or pay the person who filed first.

Monthly Survivor Benefits vs. the Death Benefit

The $255 death benefit is often confused with survivor benefits, which are ongoing monthly payments. These are two separate things. A widow or widower at full retirement age can receive a monthly benefit equal to the worker's full retirement benefit amount. A widow or widower at age 60 or older can receive a reduced monthly benefit. Unmarried children under age 19 (or 19 if still in high school) can receive monthly benefits, as can disabled adult children and dependent parents.

To receive monthly survivor benefits, a family member must file a separate claim with Social Security. The amount of the monthly benefit depends on the worker's earnings history and age at death, not on funeral expenses. These benefits continue each month until the survivor reaches a certain age or circumstance changes, whereas the death benefit is paid only once.

A family member can receive both the $255 death benefit and monthly survivor benefits. The death benefit does not reduce or affect the monthly payments.

What Happens if No One Claims the Death Benefit

If no one files a claim for the $255 death benefit within a certain time, Social Security keeps the money. There is no important date published by Social Security, but it is best to file as soon as possible after the death. Funeral homes sometimes help families file for the death benefit, so asking them is a good first step.

If the worker had no family members and no one paid for the funeral, the $255 may go unclaimed. Some funeral homes will file the claim on behalf of the family if they are not sure who should receive it, so it is worth asking them whether they have already contacted Social Security.

How the Death Benefit Differs by State

The $255 federal death benefit is the same in every state. However, some states offer their own burial information programs for low-income people, which are separate from Social Security. These state programs may cover more costs or have different rules. Your state's department of social services or human services can tell you whether such a program exists where you live.

Veterans and their families may also be may have access to to a burial allowance from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is separate from the Social Security death benefit. If the deceased worker was a veteran, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to ask about burial benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the death benefit if the funeral home already paid for the funeral?

No. The death benefit goes to the person who actually paid the funeral costs. If the funeral home paid and you have not reimbursed them, you cannot claim the $255. If you reimbursed the funeral home out of your own pocket, you can file for the benefit and provide receipts showing you paid.

What if the worker did not have a Social Security number?

If the worker never had a Social Security number or was not covered by Social Security, the death benefit is not available. Social Security will tell you whether the worker was covered when you call to file the claim.

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

The $255 death benefit is not taxable income. It does not count toward income limits for other government programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income, though rules vary by program. If you receive other benefits, contact that program to ask how the death benefit affects you.

Can I use the death benefit to pay for something other than a funeral?

No. You must show that you paid for funeral, burial, or cremation costs. Social Security will not pay the $255 for other expenses, even if they were related to the death.

How long do I have to file for the death benefit?

Social Security does not publish a important date, but you should file as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the sooner you receive the payment. Waiting months or years may make it harder to find receipts and prove you paid the expenses.