Social Security Benefits

Obtaining a lump sum benefit

A lump sum death benefit of $255 is available for surviving spouse or minor children, if eligible. Fanwood Memorial will make the initial notificaiton of death to Social Security, but the family must apply for the $255 benefit.

To apply, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You may also apply for benefits by going in person to any Social Security office. You may need some of the documents shown on the list below. If you don’t have a document you need, Social Security can help you get it.

• Your Social Security number and the deceased worker’s Social Security number 
• A death certificate
• Proof of the deceased worker’s earnings for last year
  (W-2 forms or self employment tax return)
• Your birth certificate
• Your marriage certificate if you are applying for benefits as a widow
• Your divorce decree if you are applying for benefits as a divorced wife or husband
• Children’s birth certificates and Social Security numbers if applying for children’s benefits
• Your checking or savings account information if you want direct deposit of your benefits

You will need to submit original documents or copies certified by the issuing office. You can mail or bring them to the office. Social Security will make photocopies and return your documents to you.

The following checklist is designed to help you file for your Social Security benefits correctly so that prompt payments may be made. 

Eligibility 

The deceased worker must have credit for work covered by Social Security, ranging from 1 1/2 to 10 years depending on his or her age at death. 

Who may receive monthly benefits:

• A widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled), or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled.
• A divorced widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) if the marriage lasted 10 years, or if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled.
• Unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school full- time).
• Children who were disabled before reaching 22, as long as they remained disabled.
• Dependent parent or parents 62 or older.