Griffith-Cline Funeral and Cremation Services

The following information is culled from information supplied by the Social Security Administration. Only the Social Security Administration can determine the benefit due.

ELIGIBILITY

A deceased worker must have between 1 1/2 to 10 years credit for work covered by Social Security. This depends upon her or his age at death.

LUMP-SUM PAYMENT

A one-time payment of $255 is paid in addition to the monthly cash benefits described below. The lump-sum death payment is paid in the following priority order:

A surviving spouse who lived in the same household as the deceased 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.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE MONTHLY PAYMENTS?

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 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.

APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
You must apply to receive Social Security benefits. Application may be made at any Social Security office or, if you wish, you may apply be telephone. To make an appointment to apply in person, or to apply by telephone dial 1 (800) 772.1213. A Social Security staff member will either schedule an appointment or arrange for your local Security office to take your application over the telephone.