To qualify for monthly benefits, the deceased worker must have earned enough Social Security credits, ranging from 1.5 to 10 years of covered work,depending on their age at the time of death. Individuals who may be eligible for monthly benefits include:

• A widow or widower aged 60 or older (or 50 if disabled), or of any age if caring for a child of the deceased who is under 16 or disabled
• A divorced widow or widower aged 60 or older (or 50 if disabled), if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, or if caring for a child of the deceased who is under 16 or disabled
• Unmarried children up to age 18 (or 19 if attending full-time primary or secondary school)
• Children who became disabled before age 22 and remain disabled
• Dependent parent(s) aged 62 or older

In addition to the monthly benefits described above, a one-time lump-sum death payment (LSDP) of $255 may be paid. This payment is issued in the following order of priority:

• The surviving spouse who was living in the same household as the deceased at the time of death
• The surviving spouse who is eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month in which the death occurred
• A child or children who are eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death

To begin receiving benefits you first must apply. You may apply at any Social Security office, by telephone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at www.ssa.gov.