The One-Time Death Payment from Social Security
What the Social Security Death Payment Covers
When a Social Security beneficiary dies, the Social Security Administration pays a one-time lump sum of $255 to help cover funeral and burial costs. This payment goes to whoever was living with the deceased at the time of death, or to the person who paid for the funeral. If neither applies, the payment goes to the estate.
The $255 amount has not changed since 1954. It does not adjust for inflation, so it covers a much smaller portion of actual funeral expenses than it once did. The payment is not automatic — someone must report the death to Social Security and request it, usually within a specific timeframe.
This is separate from any ongoing benefits the deceased person was receiving. If the person was drawing Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), those payments stop in the month of death. Family members may be may have access to to survivor benefits, which is a different program entirely.
Key Takeaways
- The one-time death payment is $255 and must be requested; it does not pay automatically when Social Security is notified of a death.
- The payment goes to the person who was living with the deceased, the person who paid for the funeral, or the estate, in that order.
- You must request the payment within a limited window — rules vary slightly by state, but generally within two years of the death.
- Survivor benefits for family members (spouse, children, parents) are separate from this lump sum and may provide ongoing monthly income.
- The funeral home, hospital, or nursing home can help you report the death to Social Security, but you are responsible for requesting the payment itself.
Who Can Receive the Payment and How to Request It
Social Security pays the $255 to the first person in this order who exists: someone who was living with the deceased in the same household, or someone who paid the funeral expenses. If neither exists, the money goes to the deceased person's estate.
To request the payment, contact Social Security directly. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), visit a local Social Security office, or go online at ssa.gov. You will need the deceased person's Social Security number, the date of death, and proof of your relationship or proof that you paid funeral costs. Bring an original or certified copy of the death certificate.
If you are the funeral director or a funeral home employee, you can often report the death to Social Security on behalf of the family. However, the family member or estate representative must still formally request the lump-sum payment. Do not assume the funeral home will handle this step.
Timeline and Deadlines for Requesting Payment
You should request the death payment as soon as possible after the death occurs. While there is technically a window of time to request it, waiting too long can complicate the process. Social Security generally accepts requests within two years of the death, though some sources cite different timeframes depending on state law and circumstances.
The sooner you report the death, the sooner Social Security stops paying monthly benefits to that person's account — which prevents overpayments that would later need to be repaid. If the deceased person received a payment after the month they died, Social Security will ask the family to return it.
If you are managing the estate or handling funeral arrangements, request the payment while you are already gathering documents like the death certificate. This keeps the process moving and ensures you do not miss the window.
What Happens If the Deceased Was Receiving Benefits
If the person who died was receiving Social Security retirement benefits, SSDI, or SSI, those monthly payments stop immediately. The month in which the person died is the last month they are may have access to to a payment. If Social Security sends a check or direct deposit for that month or any month after, the family must return it.
Family members — a spouse, children under 19 (or 23 if in school full-time), or parents age 62 or older — may be may have access to to survivor benefits based on the deceased person's work record. These are ongoing monthly payments, not a one-time lump sum. Survivor benefits are a separate program from the $255 death payment.
If you are unsure whether family members may have access to for survivor benefits, ask Social Security when you report the death. They can explain who in the household may be may have access to and what documents are needed to process those claims.
Funeral Costs and What the $255 Does Not Cover
The $255 payment is meant to help with funeral and burial costs, but it covers only a small fraction of actual expenses. The average funeral in the United States costs between $7,000 and $12,000, depending on location and the type of service. The $255 lump sum leaves a significant gap.
If you cannot afford funeral costs, other resources may be available. Some states have burial assistance programs for low-income families. The Veterans Administration provides burial benefits if the deceased was a military veteran. Some religious organizations and nonprofits also offer funeral assistance. Your local social services office or 211 (dial 2-1-1) can point you toward programs in your area.
Funeral homes sometimes offer payment plans or reduced-cost services. It is worth asking about options before committing to the full cost. Some funeral homes will hold the $255 payment from Social Security as a credit toward the bill once it arrives.
How to Report the Death to Social Security
You do not need to wait to request the $255 payment before reporting the death. In fact, reporting the death and requesting the payment are two separate steps, though they happen around the same time.
To report the death, contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213, in person at a local office, or online at ssa.gov. Have the deceased person's Social Security number and the date of death ready. A hospital, nursing home, or funeral home can also report the death on your behalf, but you should confirm they have done so.
When you report the death, ask Social Security to explain survivor benefits and what documents you need to file claims for family members. They can also tell you whether any overpayments need to be returned and how to handle them. Keep a record of who you spoke with, the date, and what was discussed.
What Documents You Will Need
To request the $255 death payment, bring or mail the following to Social Security:
- An original or certified copy of the death certificate (you can order this from the county vital records office or the funeral home).
- The deceased person's Social Security number.
- Proof of your relationship to the deceased or proof that you paid funeral expenses (a receipt, invoice, or cancelled check).
- Your own identification and Social Security number.
If you are requesting the payment on behalf of an estate, bring a copy of the will or a letter from the probate court showing you are the executor or administrator. If the deceased had no will and no estate was opened, Social Security may still pay you if you can show you paid funeral costs.
You can mail these documents to your local Social Security office or bring them in person. Ask for a receipt showing what you submitted and when. Keep copies for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the $255 payment if the person died a long time ago?
Social Security generally accepts requests within two years of the death, though this can vary. If more than two years have passed, contact Social Security to ask whether they will still process your request. Bring documentation of the death and your relationship or proof of funeral expenses.
What if multiple people paid for the funeral?
Social Security will pay the $255 to one person — usually the person who paid the largest share or who submits the request first. If you and another person both paid, you may need to work out who receives the payment or how to split it between you. Social Security does not divide the payment.
Do I have to use the $255 for funeral costs?
Technically, the payment is meant for funeral and burial expenses. However, once you receive it, how you use the money is your decision. Social Security does not track how the payment is spent.
Will the $255 affect my own benefits or my taxes?
The death payment does not count as income for tax purposes and does not affect your own Social Security benefits or SSI. It is a one-time payment separate from ongoing benefits.
What if the person who died was not yet receiving Social Security?
You can still request the $255 death payment even if the person had not started drawing benefits yet. They must have had a Social Security number and a work record, but they do not need to have been receiving monthly payments. Contact Social Security with the death certificate and your proof of funeral costs.