Who can apply for survivor benefits from Social Security?
If your spouse dies while receiving Social Security payments, you are eligible for “survivor” benefits. In addition to monthly checks, the Social Security Administration will give you a one-time $255 payment to help meet burial or other expenses. Survivor benefits are also available to minor children if a parent dies, even if the parent wasn’t old enough to collect Social Security retirement benefits. These monthly payments can significantly help with the child’s living expenses and savings for college.
