Social Security Lump Sum Death Payment
U.S. Social Security Administration
What is Social Security Lump Sum Death Payment?
Social Security's Lump Sum Death Payment (LSDP) is federally funded and managed by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). A surviving spouse or child may receive a special lump-sum death payment of $255 if they meet certain requirements.
Administration
Social Security Lump Sum Death Payment is administered by U.S. Social Security Administration.
Program Requirements
To be eligible for this payment, thesurviving spouse must be living in the same household with the worker when he or she died. If they were living apart, the surviving spouse can still receive the lump-sum if, during the month the worker died, the spouse met one of the following requirements:
- Was already receiving benefits on the worker's record.
- Became eligible for benefits upon the worker's death.
If there's no eligible surviving spouse, the lump-sum can be paid to the worker's child (or children) if, during the month the worker died, the child met one of the following requirements:
- Was already receiving benefits on the worker's record.
- Became eligible for benefits upon the worker's death.
Application Details
What is the application process for Social Security Lump Sum Death Payment?
The eligible surviving spouse or child must apply for this payment within two years of the date of death.
Widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses cannot apply online for survivor’s benefits. For application information, please visit the How To Apply page.