A bereavement payment is a one-time sum of money paid by the Social Security Administration to the family of someone who has died
The bereavement payment, officially called a lump-sum death benefit, is a fixed amount—currently $255—sent to the surviving spouse, children, or estate of a person who was receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits at the time of death, or who had earned enough work credits to be insured under Social Security. The payment goes to whoever is responsible for funeral expenses or, if no one claims it, to whoever was living with the deceased and sharing household expenses.
This is not the same as survivor benefits, which are ongoing monthly payments to a widow, widower, or dependent children. The bereavement payment is a single, lump-sum transaction that arrives once—usually within one to two weeks after the Social Security Administration is notified of the death.
The payment does not require a separate application. Social Security processes it automatically when a death is reported to them, either by a funeral home, a family member, or through the National Death Index. You do not need to contact Social Security to request it; the money is issued as part of the death settlement process.
Key Takeaways
- The bereavement payment is a one-time $255 payment sent automatically by Social Security when someone receiving benefits dies.
- The money goes to the surviving spouse, dependent children, or the person who paid for funeral expenses, depending on who claims it first.
- You do not need to file a separate request; Social Security issues it automatically once the death is reported.
- This payment is separate from survivor benefits, which are ongoing monthly payments to may be able to access family members.
- The payment typically arrives within one to two weeks of the death being reported to Social Security.
Who receives the bereavement payment
Social Security pays the $255 to whoever is first in line: the surviving spouse, then dependent children, then the person who paid for the funeral. If the deceased was married, the surviving spouse gets priority. If there is no spouse, the money goes to unmarried children under age 19 (or up to age 19 if still in high school). If there are no may be able to access family members, the payment goes to whoever can prove they paid for the funeral or burial.
If multiple people are may be able to access—for example, a widow and two adult children—Social Security divides the $255 equally among them. The division happens automatically; you do not choose how to split it.
If no one claims the payment within a certain timeframe, it may go to the deceased's estate. This is rare and usually only happens when there is no surviving family member and no one paid for the funeral out of pocket.
How the payment is processed and when it arrives
The bereavement payment is triggered when Social Security receives notice of death. This can happen through several channels: a funeral home may report it directly, a family member can call Social Security's 1-800-772-1213 line to report the death, or the death may be recorded in the National Death Index, which Social Security checks regularly.
Once Social Security has confirmed the death, the payment is issued within one to two weeks. The money is sent by direct deposit if the deceased had direct deposit set up, or by check if not. If the deceased's bank account is frozen or if there are complications with the direct deposit account, the payment may be delayed, and Social Security may issue a check instead.
If the deceased was receiving benefits by check, Social Security will also stop future benefit payments. Any check that arrives after the death should be returned to Social Security marked "Deceased" so the agency can adjust its records.
The difference between bereavement payments and survivor benefits
A bereavement payment is a one-time $255 lump sum. Survivor benefits are ongoing monthly payments to may be able to access family members—typically a widow or widower, dependent children, or dependent parents. These are two separate programs, and receiving one does not affect the other.
A surviving spouse may receive both: the $255 bereavement payment immediately, and then ongoing monthly survivor benefits if they meet the age and work-history requirements. Dependent children also receive ongoing monthly benefits based on the deceased parent's earnings record, separate from the bereavement payment.
The bereavement payment is not means-tested and does not reduce other benefits. It is simply a fixed amount paid once to help with immediate expenses after death.
What the bereavement payment covers
The $255 is intended to help with funeral, burial, or cremation costs, though there is no requirement to prove you spent it on those things. Once the money is in your account, you can use it for any purpose. Some families use it toward funeral expenses; others use it to cover immediate bills or travel costs related to the death.
Because the amount is fixed at $255 regardless of actual funeral costs, it typically covers only a small portion of a funeral. The average funeral in the United States costs between $7,000 and $12,000, so the bereavement payment is a partial contribution at best. Many families use funeral financing, payment plans, or other resources to cover the full cost.
Reporting a death to Social Security
To trigger the bereavement payment, someone must report the death to Social Security. If you are arranging the funeral, the funeral home can do this for you—most funeral homes report deaths to Social Security automatically as part of their process. If you are handling it yourself, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a representative, or visit a local Social Security office in person with a death certificate.
You will need the deceased's Social Security number and a copy of the death certificate. Have these ready before you call. The death certificate is issued by the county or state where the death occurred, usually through the vital records office or the funeral home.
If the deceased was receiving benefits by direct deposit, Social Security will automatically stop future payments once the death is reported. If they were receiving checks, you should return any check that arrives after the death to avoid complications.
What happens if the bereavement payment is delayed or lost
If you believe the bereavement payment should have arrived but has not, contact Social Security after two weeks have passed. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office with the death certificate and the deceased's Social Security number. A representative can check the status of the payment and tell you whether it has been issued, and if so, where it was sent.
If the payment was sent by direct deposit and the account has been closed or frozen, Social Security may reissue it by check. If it was sent by check and the check was lost or never received, Social Security can issue a replacement. This process usually takes another one to two weeks.
If there is a dispute over who should receive the payment—for example, if multiple people claim they paid for the funeral—Social Security may hold the payment while the matter is resolved. In this case, you may need to provide documentation (funeral bills, receipts, or a signed agreement) to prove your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the bereavement payment if the person was not receiving Social Security benefits?
Only if the person had earned enough work credits under Social Security to be considered "insured." This typically means they worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years. If they had not yet reached retirement age and had not worked long enough, there may be no bereavement payment. A Social Security representative can tell you whether the person was insured based on their work history.
What if multiple family members want the bereavement payment?
Social Security divides the $255 equally among all may be able to access claimants—usually the surviving spouse and dependent children. The division is automatic; you do not choose how to split it. If there is a dispute over who is may be able to access, Social Security may require documentation such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
Do I have to use the bereavement payment for funeral costs?
No. Once the money is in your account, you can use it for any purpose. It is intended to help with funeral expenses, but there is no requirement to prove how you spend it. Some families use it toward other immediate costs after a death.
How long does it take to receive the bereavement payment?
The payment typically arrives within one to two weeks of the death being reported to Social Security. If the deceased had direct deposit set up, the money goes to that account. If not, Social Security sends a check. Delays can occur if the account is frozen, if there are complications with the direct deposit, or if there is a dispute over who should receive the payment.
Is the bereavement payment taxable income?
No. The bereavement payment is not considered taxable income and does not need to be reported on a tax return. It is a one-time benefit payment, not earned income or a distribution from an estate.