When a person who worked under Social Security dies, SSA pays a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 — but only to specific survivors, and only if they apply within two years. It goes first to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased. If there is no eligible spouse, an eligible child may receive it. There is no $255 payment to estates, friends, or other relatives outside those rules.
The amount surprises people — it has been fixed at $255 for decades and was never indexed to inflation. Here is exactly who qualifies and how to claim it, as of July 2026.
Who can receive the $255 payment?
In priority order:
- A surviving spouse who was living in the same household as the worker when they died.
- A surviving spouse who was not living with the worker, but who was already receiving benefits on the worker’s record — or became eligible for them upon the death.
- A child of the deceased who was receiving benefits on the worker’s record, or became eligible upon the death — but only if there is no eligible spouse.
If no one fits those categories, the payment is simply not made.
How do you apply?
You cannot apply online for the lump-sum death payment. Two routes:
- Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or
- Visit a local Social Security office (appointments recommended).
A spouse who was living with the deceased and is already receiving spousal benefits on the same record may in some cases have the payment processed automatically when the death is reported — but do not assume; ask.
The deadline matters: you generally must apply within two years of the date of death.
What documents will SSA want?
Typically:
- The deceased worker’s Social Security number
- Proof of death (funeral home statement or death certificate)
- Your own Social Security number and proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Bank information for direct deposit
Funeral homes usually report the death to SSA if you give them the deceased’s Social Security number — that report stops the deceased’s monthly benefits but does not by itself claim the $255 for you.
What else should survivors claim at the same time?
The $255 is the smallest piece of survivor protection. The monthly benefits matter far more:
- Survivor benefits — a widow or widower can receive up to 100% of the deceased worker’s benefit starting as early as age 60 (50 if disabled), and a surviving spouse caring for the deceased’s young child, and minor children themselves, can qualify at any age.
- Benefit switching — a surviving spouse already receiving their own retirement benefit can take whichever is higher. The mechanics resemble the rules in our guide to spousal benefits in 2026.
- Watch the payment calendar — the deceased’s final month matters: Social Security is not payable for the month of death, and any payment received for that month typically must be returned. Payment timing rules are laid out in the September 2026 payment schedule.
FAQ
Q. Why is it only $255?
A. Congress capped the lump-sum death payment at $255 in a 1954 amendment and never indexed it. Bills to raise it have been introduced over the years but none has passed as of July 2026.
Q. Can the $255 go toward funeral expenses if there’s no spouse or child?
A. No. Unlike some state programs, it cannot be paid to funeral homes or estates. If no qualifying spouse or child exists, it isn’t paid.
Q. Is the $255 taxable?
A. It is a one-time death benefit paid to a survivor; for virtually all recipients it has no federal income tax consequence worth worrying about. Monthly survivor benefits follow the normal Social Security taxation thresholds.
Q. My spouse died three years ago and I never applied. Am I out of luck?
A. The two-year application window generally bars late claims for the lump sum, though monthly survivor benefits may still be available. Call SSA — the monthly benefit is the bigger prize anyway.