The death of a spouse or parent is not only difficult and fraught with a long list of arrangements to be made — from funeral planning to burial services — but it can also leave a financial burden on family members. One way to ease some of this stress is to apply promptly for Social Security death benefits. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible to receive benefits or how to apply, here’s some information about this important benefit for survivors.

A Guide to Social Security Benefits After a Death

1. Widow/Widower Benefits 

Spouses of the deceased are eligible to receive full benefits at full retirement age (either 66 or 67 years, depending on the year you were born), and some benefits can be paid starting at age 60. If you have a child with your deceased spouse who is either disabled or younger than 16 years, you can collect benefits at any age. Even divorced spouses are eligible for benefits as long as the marriage lasted at least 10 years and you’re 60 years or older.

2. Benefits for Children

Children 18 years or younger (or up to 19 years, if they’re still in high school) can receive Social Security death benefits if they’re unmarried. No age limit applies to children who became disabled before the age of 22 and remain impaired.

3. Lump-Sum Death Benefit

A lump-sum payment of $255 can be collected by the surviving spouse or children if they meet certain requirements. A spouse must either have lived in the same home as the deceased or been eligible to receive benefits at the time of death. Likewise, children must have been eligible for benefits at the time of death.

How to Apply for Social Security Death Benefits

The funeral home will notify the Social Security Administration of your loved one’s death, but you must apply for benefits either in person at a Social Security office or by telephone. You will need to collect some paperwork, such as the death certificate or proof of death provided by the funeral home, marriage and birth certificates, social security numbers, and W-2 forms. Although there is no time limit on when to file for monthly benefits, you must apply for the lump-sum payment within two years of the date of death.

Dealing with the death of a family member can be overwhelming. To help ease the burden of funeral planning, turn to the professionals at Porto Funeral Homes in New Haven County, CT. From pre-arrangements for funerals to cremation services, this funeral home has provided compassionate and supportive services for local families since 1931. To find out more, call (203) 467-3000 or visit them online.