socialsecuritybenefits

Home Contact Us Cremation Options Custom Memorial Cards FAQ General Price List

Grief Support Obituaries Our Facility Social Security Benefits Traditional Funeral Services

Veterans Benefits Video Memorial Service

HIGGERSON & NEAL

Funeral Home

Social Security Benefits

1. WILL SOCIAL SECURITY PAY ANYTHING TOWARDS THE FUNERAL BILLS?

No.

2. HOW DOES ONE ESTABLISH THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE THE LUMP SUM DEATH BENEFIT?

Any man, woman, or child who has worked under Social Security the required number of quarters sets up this benefit. (The quarters are determined at the time of application by Social Security.)

3. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE LUMP SUM BENEFIT?

The surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at his or her death or the dependant children of the worker.

4. IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR MONTHLY SURVIVORS BENEFITS, HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO FILE MY CLAIM?

Since the Social Security Amendments of 1977 eliminated retro-activity in most monthly benefit cases, you should contact Social Security and file your claim in the month of death or as soon as possible.

5. WOULD THE SURVIVORS OF A DECEASED WIDOW OR WIDOWER RECEIVING MONTHLY SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS NECESSARILY BE PAID THE LUMP SUM DEATH BENEFIT?

No - the widow or widower receiving Social Security Benefits through the spouse's eligibility DOES NOT set up a lump sum death benefit for the survivors. If the deceased widower or widow has worked under Social Security, you should contact Social Security and file a claim for the death benefit.

6. WHERE DO I FILE MY CLAIM FOR SOMEONE WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE LUMP SUM DEATH BENEFIT?

At the district office nearest to YOU.

7. IF I KNOW THE DISTRICT OFFICE NEAREST TO ME, SHOULD I GO THERE WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT?

You do not need an appointment, however, before you go you should call the service number at 1-800-772-1213. They will advise you about the documents and information needed to support your claim.

8. WHAT PROOFS WOULD I NEED TO FILE MY CLAIM?

A. If you are widowed, you will need: 1. Social Security number of Deceased. 2. A Marriage Certificate. 3. Social Security Form SSA-2872 filled out from the funeral home or a death certificate. B. Widow or widower over 60 or disabled widow between 50 and 60 years old (must suffer from sever and prolonged disability) you will need : 1. A Marriage Certificate. 2. Your Birth Certificate or Baptismal Paper if available. 3. Social Security number of Deceased and yourself. 4. Social Security Form 2872 filled out by funeral home or a death certificate. C. Widow or widower with dependent children, you will need: 1. A Marriage Certificate. 2. Children's Birth Certificate (s) 3. Social Security Form 2872 filled out by funeral home or a death certificate.

9. WHAT IF I CANNOT FURNISH THE NECESSARY PROOFS TO DEVELOP MY CLAIM?

The district office will help you develop alternate proofs which would be acceptable.

10. WOULD SIZE OF A PERSON'S ESTATE BE A FACTOR IN WHETHER THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION WOULD OR WOULD NOT PAY?

No.

11. HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO FILE MY CLAIM FOR THE LUMP SUM DEATH BENEFIT?

Up to two (2) years from the date of death.