If you are the surviving spouse of a deceased individual who worked long enough under Social Security, you may be eligible to qualify for their benefits. However, the rules vary according to your situation, which can make it difficult to understand how the process works. To help, the caring funeral planning staff at Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home answers a few of the most common questions regarding Social Security survivor benefits.

Funeral Planning Professionals Answer Questions About Social Security Survivor Benefits

1. Who Is Eligible to Get Social Security Survivor Benefits?

Eligibility depends on several factors, such as age, disabilities, and dependents. If they meet the set criteria, it is possible for widows and widowers, and divorced widows and widowers to claim benefits. Unmarried children and dependent parents may also be entitled to benefits.

2. When Do I Notify Social Security About the Death?

It’s important to notify the Social Security office as soon as possible after the death of a loved one. In many cases, the funeral director will report the death; however, you will need to supply them with the Social Security number of the deceased.

3. What Is a Lump-Sum Death Benefit?

A lump-sum death benefit is a one-time payment of $255 that can be made to a surviving spouse or child if they meet certain criteria. Typically, they must have been living under the same roof as the deceased when they died.

4. How Much Will I Get?

The situation is different for every individual. The exact number is based on the amount the deceased earned while working under Social Security over their lifetime.

Claiming these benefits can help to cover the expensive costs of your loved one’s funeral services. To ease the stress of the funeral planning process during your time of grieving, turn to the caring professionals at Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home in Cincinnati, OH. They offer a wide range of caring services to help support local families, including memorial services, cremations, and funeral arrangements. Call (513) 661-3022 to speak with one of their staff members or visit their website for more information about their funeral planning services.