Just as you plan for your family's protection if you die , you should consider the Social Security benefits that may be available if you are the survivor that is, the spouse, child, or parent of a worker who dies. That person must have worked long enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits. 

How Your Spouse Earns Social Security Survivors Benefits 
A worker can earn up to four credits each year. In 2019 , for example , your spouse can earn one credit for each $1,360 of wages or self - employment income. When your spouse has earned $5,440 , they have earned their four credits for the year. The number of credits needed to provide benefits for survivors depends on the worker's age when they die. No one needs more than 40 credits 10 years of work to be eligible for any Social Security benefit. But , the younger a person is , the fewer credits they must have for family members to receive survivors benefits. Benefits can be paid to the worker's children and the surviving spouse who is caring for the children even if the worker doesn't have the required number of credits. They can get benefits if the worker has credit for one and one - half years of work 6 credits in the three years just before their death. Each person s situation is different and you need to talk to a Social Security claims representative about your choices. 

When A Family Member Dies 
We should be notified as soon as possible when a person dies. However , you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits , call 1 - 800 - 772 - 1213 TTY 1 - 800 - 325 - 0778. You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required , but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone. 

Does Social Security pay death benefits? 
A one - time payment of $255 can be paid to

user: Hi, I just lost my husband and would like to know if Social Security pays out any form of death benefit?

assistant: Yes Social Security does pay death benefits. A one-time payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the deceased, or, if living apart was receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased's record.

assistant: Are you the spouse or a child of the deceased?

user: No I am not the spouse or a child of the deceased.

user: What should be done, in accordance with Social Security requirements, when a family member dies?

assistant: You should call 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a Social Security representative between 7 am and 7 pm Monday through Friday or you can visit your local Social Security office.

user: If I remarry how does this affect  Social Security payments that I receive?

assistant: If you remarry you will still continue to qualify for benefits on your deceased spouse's Social Security record.

user: What happens to the special lump-sum death payment if there is no eligible surviving spouse?

assistant: The lump-sum payment can be paid to the worker's child or children if, during the month the worker died, the child was already receiving benefits on the worker's record or became eligible for benefits upon the worker's death.