Social Security Benefits

  • Overview

    Upon the death of an insured worker (those who have paid into Social Security for 6 Quarters), a lump sum benefit up to $255 will be paid to a surviving spouse living in the same household. If there is not a spouse who qualifies, the lump sum benefit may be paid to qualifying dependent children.

    Hallett Funeral Home sends a statement of death to the local Social Security office as soon as we have the deceased's Social Security number. Applications must be made within two years of the date of death of the insured worker. When all of the records have been assembled by Social Security, they will appraise you of eligibility for any other benefits.

  • Benefit Eligibility

    The deceased worker must have credit for work covered by Social Security for a period ranging from 1 1/2 to 10 years (depending on his or her age at death).

    Who may receive monthly benefits?

    A widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled), or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled.

    A divorced widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) 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.

  • Lump-sum Death Payment

    A one-time payment of $255 is paid to eligible insured workers (those who have paid into Social Security for 6 Quarters). The lump-sum death payment (LSDP) is paid in the following priority order to:

    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.

  • Applying to Receive Benefits

    Hallett Funeral Home will assist with preparation of your application for benefits. You may apply at any Social Security office or, if you wish, you may apply by telephone. Just dial the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 and the operator will schedule an appointment for you or arrange for the local Social Security office to take your claim by telephone.

  • Social Security Teleservice

    You may call Social Security toll-free, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The number to use is 1-800-772-1213. To speak with a representative, call between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm on regular business days. At other times and on weekends and holidays, you may leave a message and they will call you back, in most cases, the next business day.

    You may use the toll-free number to make an appointment either in a Social Security office or telephone to apply for benefits, transact other Social Security business, or just ask questions.