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The loss of a family member can be devastating, both emotionally & financially. Social Security is meant to be a survivor program and also a retirement program. Most of the people are aware of Social Security retirement benefits, and many may even be aware that Social Security has disability benefits, but are you aware that there are Social Security death benefits as well? In this article we'll discuss the one-time lump sum death benefit, monthly survivor benefits, who qualifies for survivor benefits, and how to apply for benefits when a family member dies.

One-Time Death Benefit:

You might receive a one-time payment of $255 when a family member dies, based on your relationship to them and how long they've worked. Generally, only surviving spouses and children of deceased workers qualify for the one-time death benefit. Furthermore, the deceased family member must have worked long enough to be insured under Social Security, but it does not matter if they were already collecting Social Security or not.

The Death benefit payment is made to the surviving spouse living with the deceased person at the time he/she passed, or if there's no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child of the dead person. Spouses who're not living together when one spouse dies may still receive the death benefit if they were eligible for benefits on the deceased spouse's earnings in the month the spouse passed. If there is no surviving spouse or child who qualifies for the payment, then no payment will be made.

This is a one-time, lump sum benefit; however many survivors may qualify for a monthly benefit along with the one-time death benefit.

Monthly Survivor Benefits:

Besides the one-time payment, certain family members may receive a monthly benefit for a deceased person. Widows, widowers, children and dependent parents may qualify for per month survivor benefits. In many cases, even divorced widows and widowers may qualify to receive benefits when their ex-spouse dies. The per month survivor benefit is also referred to as "survivors insurance" as it is much like a life insurance policy.

To be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, the deceased worker must have worked and earned credits towards Social Security benefits. The number of years necessary to work depends on the age of the deceased family member.

The following family members may qualify for survivor benefits:

- a widow or widower, beginning at age fifty if disabled or sixty is not handicapped;

- a widow or widower who is caring for your child under the age of 16, regardless of the age of the widow or widower,

- unmarried children of the deceased also qualify if they're under age 18 (or age 22 if they're handicapped).

- in many cases, even grandchildren, step children or adopted children may qualify for survivor benefits.

If you are divorced, you may qualify for survivor benefits on an ex-spouse if you were married for at least 10 years, and you're age 60 or older when your ex-spouse passes (you only need to be age 50 if you are handicapped).

Applying for Survivor Benefits:

Social Security needs to be notified and Social Security widow benefits should be applied for immediately after a family member has passed. To do so, you can call the Social Security Administration or visit the closest office to you. You will need to present proof of death (death certificate or proof from a funeral home), your Social Security number and your deceased family member's Social Security number, your birth certificate, marriage certificate if married, divorce papers if you're divorced, and income info for the deceased family member (from W-2s or income tax returns) for the most recent year.

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