After the loss of a loved one, surviving family members often have many questions about Social Security benefits. As a hospice worker or caregiver, you’ll want to give them all the right answers. The following checklist is designed to help families file for Social Security benefits correctly to ensure prompt payments.
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 include:
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:
APPLYING FOR BENEFITS
You must apply in order to receive benefits. You may apply at any Social Security office or by phone.