After the loss of a loved one, you will probably have a lot of questions about Social Security benefits. The information below may answer some of your questions or there is a link direct to Social Security. We at Prout Funeral Home will file a statement of death with the Social Security Administration on your family’s behalf. We will not need a certified copy of the death certificate for this filing.
Find more information on how to apply here.
(800) 772-1213
Local Offices
Social Security Administration
935 Allwood Road
Clifton, NJ 07012-1997
or
Social Security Administration
2200 State Highway 10, Second Floor
Parsippany, NJ 07054
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 in addition to the monthly cash benefits described above. The lump-sum death payment (LSDP) is paid in the following priority order:
- 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 for Benefits
You must apply in order to receive benefits.You may also apply at any Social Security office or, if you wish, you may apply by telephone or online at www.ssa.gov. 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.
Contact Social Security
You may contact Social Security toll-free, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The number to use is 1-800-772-1213. You may visit the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov. To speak with a representative, call between the hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm 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.