By Susan M. Graham, Certified Elder Law Attorney, Senior Edge Legal, Boise, Idaho.
Did you know there is a Social Security Death Benefit of $255 available to a Spouse? Most people forget the benefit is available when someone dies.
A one-time lump sum death payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if living with the deceased spouse at time of death. If they were living apart and the healthy spouse was receiving Social Security benefits on the now-deceased spouse’s record, the surviving spouse may be eligible for the lump sum death payment. If there is no surviving spouse, the payment can be made to a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record in the month of the death.
What are the steps to make this claim? It is necessary to report the death and apply for benefits by going to the local Social Security office or making a phone call to Social Security. The application cannot be done online. The phone number is
1-800-772-1213 [TTY 1-800-325-0778]. Call between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Making the claim takes some effort, but why not take the time to receive $255? After all, the deceased person paid into the Social Security system for years and their family is entitled to this benefit.
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Do you have a written estate plan that protects your future and your loved ones? Call to schedule a meeting with Susan Graham to give you peace of mind that your affairs are in order (phone 208-344-0375 or Contact Us on our website).
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