A surviving spouse or child may get a special lump-sum death payment of $255 if they meet certain requirements.

Generally, the lump-sum is paid if you were living in the same household when your spouse died. If you were living apart, you can still get the payment if, during the month they died, your spouse:

• Was already getting their own benefits; or
• Became eligible for benefits upon their death.

If there's no eligible surviving spouse, the lump-sum can be paid to the worker's child (or children) if, during the month they died, the child:

• Was already getting benefits on the worker's record; or
• Became eligible for benefits upon the worker's death.

If you, or a surviving child, do not currently get benefits, you must apply for this payment within two years of the date of death.

For more details, visit the Survivors Planner: A Special Lump-sum Death Payment page.

Visit the Information You Need to Apply For Lump-sum Death Benefit – Form SSA-8 for details on how to apply.

If you would like to find out what other Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits you may qualify for, use SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) on Benefits.gov.

Once you complete the questionnaire, you get a list of benefits you may qualify for. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

When you know which benefits you can apply for, click Apply for Social Security Benefits to apply online.

You can also call to learn more about SSA benefits and get application information.

• 1-800-772-1213
• TTY 1-800-325-0778