Social Security Death Benefits in Georgia
Eligibility
The deceased worker must have credit for work covered by Social Security, ranging from 1-1/2 to 10 years depending on his or her age at death. Those who may receive monthly benefits are:
- A widow or widower age 60 (50 if disabled) or older or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled
- A divorced widow or widower age 60 (50 if disabled) or older if the marriage lasted 10 years or if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled
- Unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school full-time)
- Children who were disabled before reaching 22, as long as they remained disabled
- Dependent parent or parents 62 or older
US Social Security Administration:
3800 Camp Creek Pkwy,
BLDG 2400 Suite 122
Atlanta, GA 30331
9180 Covington Bypass Rd
Covington, GA 30014
200 Chastain Center Blvd,
Suite 250
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Lump-Sum Death Payment
A one-time payment of $255 is paid in addition to the monthly cash benefits described above. The lump-sum death payment (LSDP) is paid in the following priority order:
- A surviving spouse who lived in the same household as the deceased person at the time of death
- A surviving spouse eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death
- A child or children eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death
The Social Security Administration offers a one-time lump-sum death benefit of $255 to eligible surviving spouses or children. In addition, monthly survivor benefits may be available for qualifying spouses, dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents. The amount of survivor benefits depends on the deceased worker earnings record and the relationship of the survivor to the deceased. Southern Cremations & Funerals can provide guidance on the initial steps for accessing these benefits.
We hope this information was helpful to you. Part of our service to you at the time of death, will be assisting you in ensuring you receive all of the benefits available to you.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Documents You May Need to Claim Social Security Death Benefits
- The deceased’s Social Security number
- A certified copy of the death certificate (Southern Cremations handles this)
- Proof of your relationship to the deceased
- The surviving spouse’s or dependent’s Social Security number
How to Report a Death to Social Security
- Step 1: Contact Southern Cremations & Funerals — we notify Social Security on your behalf in most cases.
- Step 2: If additional notification is needed, call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
- Step 3: Gather required documents including the death certificate and Social Security numbers.
- Step 4: Apply for the lump-sum death benefit and any survivor benefits you may qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Social Security lump-sum death benefit?
The Social Security Administration provides a one-time lump-sum death benefit of $255. This benefit is typically paid to the surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death, or to a surviving spouse who is eligible for benefits on the deceased record. If there is no surviving spouse, the payment may be made to a dependent child.