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Social Security Benefits After a Loss

After a death, surviving family members may be entitled to Social Security benefits, and Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory helps Northeast Iowa families take the first steps. Social Security provides a one-time lump-sum death payment, currently 255 dollars, to an eligible surviving spouse or child, and survivors may qualify for ongoing monthly benefits based on the deceased’s work record. As a courtesy, we typically report the death to the Social Security Administration on your behalf. Call (641) 394-4334, and contact the Social Security Administration to apply for benefits.

Benefits That May Be Available

Social Security offers a one-time lump-sum death payment, currently 255 dollars, to an eligible surviving spouse or dependent child. In addition, survivors such as a spouse, dependent children, and sometimes dependent parents may qualify for ongoing monthly survivor benefits based on the deceased’s earnings record.

How We Help and What to Do Next

As a courtesy, Hugeback-Johnson typically reports the death to the Social Security Administration on the family’s behalf. Monthly survivor benefits are not automatic, so survivors should contact the Social Security Administration to apply. We can explain the first steps and the documents you will likely need.

How much is the Social Security death benefit?

Social Security provides a one-time lump-sum death payment, currently 255 dollars, to an eligible surviving spouse or child, and survivors may qualify for monthly benefits. Hugeback-Johnson helps with the first steps. Call (641) 394-4334.

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. Those who may receive monthly benefits are:

  • A widow or widower age 60 (50 if disabled) or older or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled
  • A divorced widow or widower age 60 (50 if disabled) or older 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Social Security death benefit?

Social Security provides a one-time lump-sum death payment, currently 255 dollars, to an eligible surviving spouse or child. Survivors may also qualify for ongoing monthly survivor benefits.
A surviving spouse, dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents may be eligible for monthly survivor benefits. Eligibility depends on the deceased’s work record and your relationship.
As a courtesy, we typically report the death to the Social Security Administration on the family’s behalf. We will confirm what information is needed when we meet.
Survivor benefits are not always automatic. Contact the Social Security Administration to apply. We can explain the first steps and what documents you will need.

Help With the First Steps

We will help you understand what to do next. Call (641) 394-4334 any time. For official details, see the Social Security Administration.
Social Security

Social Security Administration
3121 Greyhound Dr Ste 1, Waterloo, IA 50701
Phone: (800) 772-1213

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