How to Apply for Survivor Benefits After a Death

When a loved one dies, survivor benefits from government programs, employers, and insurance companies can provide meaningful financial support. Many families don't know what they're entitled to — or don't claim benefits they deserve because the process feels too overwhelming to navigate while grieving.

This guide covers every major survivor benefit available in the United States, who qualifies, and how to claim each one.

Benefit rules and amounts change. Verify current eligibility requirements at the relevant agency's official website or by calling them directly.

Social Security Survivor Benefits

Social Security survivor benefits are among the most significant and widely available benefits after a death. They are available to:

• Surviving spouse (age 60 or older, or age 50+ if disabled)
• Surviving spouse of any age caring for the deceased's child under age 16 or disabled
• Unmarried children under age 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school)
• Disabled adult children (if disability began before age 22)
• Dependent parents (age 62+)
• Divorced spouse (if married for at least 10 years)

The one-time death benefit

A one-time payment of $255 is available to the surviving spouse (or eligible child if no spouse). This is a lump-sum payment, not a monthly benefit. It must be applied for within 2 years of the death.

How to apply

Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. You cannot apply for survivor benefits online. You'll need the deceased's Social Security number, your Social Security number, the death certificate, and proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates of children).

How much you'll receive

Survivor benefits are based on the deceased's earnings record and range from 75%–100% of their benefit amount. The SSA's website (ssa.gov) has calculators to estimate your benefit.

VA Benefits for Veterans' Surviving Family

If the deceased was a veteran, several VA benefits may be available to surviving family members:

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): A tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents of veterans who died from a service-connected condition
• VA Survivors Pension: For surviving spouses and children of wartime veterans with low income
• Burial benefits: Reimbursement for burial costs, plus free burial in a national cemetery for eligible veterans
• Healthcare for surviving spouse: Surviving spouses may qualify for CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA) if the veteran was permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition

To apply, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit va.gov/survivors.

Life Insurance Claims

Life insurance proceeds are typically income tax-free and paid within 30–60 days of a complete claim submission.

Steps to file a claim

1. Locate the policy (check home files, safe deposit box, employer benefits, and the state's unclaimed property database if needed)
2. Contact the insurance company's claims department
3. Request and complete the claim form
4. Submit the completed form with a certified copy of the death certificate
5. Choose your payment option (lump sum, installments, or held in an account)

If you can't locate a policy, the NAIC's Life Insurance Policy Locator Service (naic.org/life_policy_locator) can search for policies using the deceased's Social Security number.

Employer Benefits

If your loved one was employed, contact their employer's HR department promptly to ask about:

• Group life insurance: Many employers provide basic life coverage — typically 1–2x annual salary
• Pension or defined benefit plan: If the deceased had a pension, the plan may pay survivor benefits to a named beneficiary
• 401k or 403b retirement account: Passes to the named beneficiary
• Unpaid wages, vacation, and sick pay: Any amounts owed through the date of death
• COBRA continuation coverage: Surviving dependents can continue employer health insurance coverage for up to 36 months through COBRA (though at full cost)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance: If the death was accidental, this policy may pay in addition to life insurance

COBRA Health Insurance Continuation

If the deceased was the primary insured on employer-sponsored health coverage, surviving dependents have the right to continue that coverage through COBRA for up to 36 months. You must elect COBRA within 60 days of losing coverage. While COBRA is expensive (you pay 102% of the premium), it provides time to find alternative coverage without a gap.

Medicare and Medicaid Considerations

• Medicare: Coverage ends with the beneficiary's death. If you were covered as a dependent on their Medicare Advantage or supplement plan, that coverage ends. You may need to transition to your own Medicare coverage or marketplace insurance.
• Medicaid estate recovery: In some states, Medicaid can seek reimbursement from the estate for long-term care costs paid on the deceased's behalf. Consult an estate attorney if Medicaid was involved in your loved one's care.

Workers' Compensation Death Benefits

If the death was related to a work injury or occupational illness, surviving family members may be entitled to workers' compensation death benefits — typically a percentage of the deceased's wages paid to the spouse and/or children for a set period. Claims must be filed with the state workers' compensation board. Deadlines vary by state (typically 1–3 years from date of death).

Applying for All Benefits: Practical Tips

• Start with Social Security — it has strict timelines and complex rules
• Keep copies of all claim forms and correspondence
• Note claim numbers and the names of representatives you speak with
• Most benefits must be applied for — they are not automatically granted
• Benefits not claimed within deadline windows may be permanently forfeited

For the full picture of administrative tasks after a death, see our guide to handling practical matters after loss. For tax implications of survivor benefits, see our tax obligations guide.