Survivors of deceased workers who have credit for 1-1/2 to 10 years of work covered by social security may be entitled to survivor benefits.

• A lump-sum death payment of $255 is paid in the following order of priority.
• 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.
• In addition to the lump-sum death benefit, the following individuals may be eligible for 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 yrs, 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.

To apply for benefits you may contact the Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on regular business days.