Social Security Survivor Benefits
What is the Social Security lump-sum death payment?
Short answer
A one-time payment of $255 available to surviving spouses who were living with the deceased or receiving benefits on their record. It is not automatic — apply at SSA within 2 years of death. It does not go to adult children unless…
What this usually means
A one-time payment of $255 available to surviving spouses who were living with the deceased or receiving benefits on their record. It is not automatic — apply at SSA within 2 years of death. It does not go to adult children unless they were receiving benefits. It must be applied for separately from monthly survivor benefits.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.