Social Security Survivor Benefits
The loss of the family wage earner can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. Social Security helps by providing income for the families of workers who die. In fact, 98 of every 100 children could get benefits if a working parent dies. And Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program.This booklet gives you an overview of Social Security survivors benefits paid to the spouse and children of a worker who dies.
It will however, still be necessary for you to contact SSA either in person or by telephone to make formal application for any benefit to which you may be entitled. This information or SSA Booklet is not intended to answer all the questions you may have. For more information about Social Security’s survivors program, visit their website http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/survivors.htm or call their toll-free number 800-772-1213
If your spouse has worked under Social Security Administration (had earnings withheld for FICA), there is a good possibility that you, as the surviving spouse, are entitled to a lump-sum death payment (LSDP) in the amount of $255.00. If there are minor children, there may also be benefits available to them. Lada’s Mortuaries will notify Social Security Administration of the death of your spouse by sending the appropriate form (Form SSA-721) to the local SSA office.The addresses of the local Social Security Administration offices are:
Ontario Office Pomona Office Fontana Office
1100 E. Holt Blvd. 960 W. Mission Blvd 10668 Sierra Ave.
Ontario, CA 91761 Pomona, CA 91766 Fontana, CA 92337
» Click Here to Download the "Survivor Benefits" booklet» Click Here to Download "What To Do When Someone Dies" (includes Spanish version)