What Are Social Security Benefits?

Social Security benefits are a form of financial assistance provided by the U.S. government to eligible individuals and their families. These benefits can help cover various expenses, including funeral costs, and provide ongoing financial support to surviving family members.

Types of Social Security Benefits

1. Survivor Benefits: These benefits are paid to the family members of a deceased worker who had earned enough Social Security credits. Eligible family members include:
   • A widow or widower (full benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60)
   • A disabled widow or widower (as early as age 50)
   • A widow or widower at any age if they take care of the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled
   • Unmarried children under 18 (or up to age 19 if they are attending elementary or secondary school full time)
   • Children who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled
   • Dependent parents aged 62 or older
2. Lump-Sum Death Payment: A one-time payment of $255 may be made to the surviving spouse if they were living with the deceased, or if living apart, were receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record. If there is no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record.

How to Apply for Social Security Benefits

Applying for Social Security benefits can be done in several ways:

• Online: Visit the Social Security Administration’s website and follow the instructions to apply online.
• By Phone: Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone.
• In Person: Visit your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest office by using the Social Security Office Locator on their website.

Required Documentation

When applying for Social Security benefits, you will need to provide certain documents, including:

• Proof of death (a death certificate or funeral home statement)
• Social Security numbers for the deceased, the applicant, and any dependent children
• Birth certificates for dependent children
• Marriage certificate (if applying as a widow or widower)
• Divorce decree (if applying as a divorced widow or widower)

How Tree of Life Funeral Directors Can Help

At Tree of Life Funeral Directors, we are committed to supporting you through every step of the process. Our experienced staff can assist you with:

• Understanding your eligibility for Social Security benefits
• Gathering and organizing the necessary documentation
• Completing and submitting your application
• Answering any questions you may have about the benefits process

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need assistance with Social Security benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you during this difficult time.