After a death, surviving family members are often faced with unexpected funeral expenses. While you’re navigating the deep emotional waters of grief, you’re also expected to deal with a mountain of financial responsibilities. It’s a lot, and it’s completely unfair. The good news is that the U.S. government provides certain benefits to help ease this burden. Understanding the Social Security death benefits and other government funeral assistance programs is a key step in finding a bit of financial breathing room during a difficult time.
This guide will explain what financial support you may be entitled to, who is eligible, and how to apply. You deserve to know every resource available to you.
Who Is Eligible for These Benefits?
Social Security offers two main types of financial support after a person who worked and paid into the system dies. The first is a small, one-time payment. The second, and more significant, is monthly survivor benefits. These are based on your relationship to the deceased.
Eligibility for a Surviving Spouse and Children
- Surviving Spouse: A widow or widower may be eligible for monthly benefits starting at age 60 (or age 50 if they have a disability). A surviving spouse of any age is eligible if they are caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or has a disability.
- Children: Unmarried children of the deceased can receive benefits if they are under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school). Children who became disabled before age 22 can also receive benefits.
- Divorced Spouse: A divorced spouse may be eligible for survivor benefits under the same rules as a current spouse, provided the marriage lasted 10 years or more.
- Dependent Parents: In some cases, dependent parents of the deceased who are 62 or older may be eligible for monthly benefits.
The Social Security Lump-Sum Death Payment
This is a payment you’ve probably heard of. It’s a one-time lump-sum benefit. I want to be direct with you about this: the payment amount has been a long-standing $255. While it covers only a very small fraction of today’s average funeral costs, every little bit helps. The good news is that there’s a current congressional proposal to increase the amount to $2,900 for deaths in 2025, which would be a huge help to families like yours.
This payment is made only to specific survivors. It is generally paid to the surviving spouse who was living in the same home as the deceased. If there is no eligible spouse, the payment can go to a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record.
It’s important to remember that this is a one-time payment. The monthly survivor benefits, especially for a surviving spouse or child, can be a much more significant source of long-term financial support.
How Do You Apply for These Benefits?
The application process is straightforward, but it’s crucial to know what to do. The first step is to contact the Social Security Administration directly by phone or in person. You cannot apply for survivor benefits online.
A Step-by-Step Guide
- Report the Death: In most cases, you don’t need to report the death to the SSA yourself. This is a service that the funeral home typically provides. They will send the required information to the SSA using the details from the death certificate. This is one of the important first steps after a death, as outlined in this step-by-step checklist.
- Contact the SSA: You must call the SSA at their national number or visit your local office to apply.
- Gather Your Documents: Before you call, have a few key documents ready. You’ll need proof of death (from the funeral home or the death certificate), your own Social Security number and the deceased’s, your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and your bank account information for direct deposit.
You must apply for the one-time lump-sum payment within two years of the date of death, so don’t delay.
Other Government Assistance for Funeral Expenses
Beyond Social Security, other government programs may be available to help, especially if your loved one was low-income or a veteran.
Exploring Your Options
- State & Local Assistance: Some states and counties offer public assistance for burial or cremation. For example, New York City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA) has a Burial Assistance program for low-income residents. Check with your local social services department to see what is available.
- Medicaid & Final Expenses: While Medicaid doesn’t directly pay for a funeral, a pre-need funeral contract can be used as a way to set aside money for a funeral so it doesn’t count against your assets when determining Medicaid eligibility.
- Veterans Benefits: If your loved one was a veteran, they have access to a separate and more substantial set of burial benefits, including a burial allowance and a free headstone. For more information, see our guide on veterans funeral benefits: va burial, headstones & allowances.
While the Social Security death benefits may only cover a small portion of today’s funeral costs, they are part of a larger network of support. The monthly survivor benefits can provide crucial long-term stability, and state and local programs can offer direct assistance when it is needed most. Exploring every available resource is a vital part of your funeral planning guide. It ensures you receive the support you are entitled to and helps ease the financial strain on your family during a time of loss.
Claire brings over 15 years of experience in end-of-life planning and funeral coordination. Before joining FuneralHomesListings.com, she worked directly with hundreds of families across the Midwest, helping them navigate difficult decisions with clarity and care. Her mission is to simplify the funeral planning process so families can focus on what matters most—honoring their loved ones.
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