Survivor Benefits
Understanding the Lump-Sum Death Payment in Social Security
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 11, 2026
The short answer
Lump-Sum Death Payment (LSDP): A one-time payment of $255 to a surviving spouse or eligible child of a deceased, insured worker. To qualify, the deceased must have been fully or currently insured. Applications must be filed within two years of death, with priority to a surviving spouse living in the same household at time of death.
Eligibility for the Lump-Sum Death Payment
To receive the Lump-Sum Death Payment (LSDP), the deceased worker must have been fully or currently insured at the time of death. The payment may be made to the surviving spouse or child(ren) who meet specific conditions. The surviving spouse must have been living in the same household as the worker at the time of death. If there is no qualifying widow(er), the payment may go to children eligible for benefits in the month of death. (RS 00210.001)
RS 00210.001 View source ›Amount of the Payment
The LSDP is a fixed amount of $255. This payment is regardless of the deceased's work history, unless Totalization applies. In such cases, the payment may be less than $255 depending on combined U.S. and foreign coverage. (RS 00210.015)
RS 00210.015 View source ›Application Requirements and Process
The application for the LSDP must be filed no later than two years after the worker's death. Exceptions to this deadline can be made for 'good cause' for late filing. Applications typically require proof of death and proof of relationship to the deceased. (RS 00210.005)
RS 00210.005Payment Procedures and Prioritization
Priority for the LSDP is given to the surviving spouse who was living in the same household as the deceased at the time of death. If there is no surviving spouse meeting this criterion, children entitled to the benefits are considered next. In case of multiple children, the $255 payment is divided equally among all eligible children. (RS 00210.010)
RS 00210.010 View source ›Special Situations and Totalization
In Totalization situations, where a worker's coverage is combined with foreign coverage, the LSDP may be less than $255. The payment is the lesser of three times the pro rata primary insurance amount or $255. (GN 01701.220)
GN 01701.220 View source ›Frequently asked
Who receives the lump-sum death payment for Social Security?
The lump-sum death payment of $255 is typically given to the surviving spouse living in the same household at the time of the worker's death. If there's no such spouse, it may be paid to eligible child(ren).
How much is the lump-sum death payment?
The lump-sum death payment, if eligible, is a fixed amount of $255.
Can I apply for the lump-sum death payment after two years?
An application must generally be filed within two years of the worker's death, although there can be exceptions for good cause for late filing.
Are same-sex partners eligible for the lump-sum death payment?
Yes, same-sex partners are eligible if they meet the requirements for surviving spouse benefits.
Do surviving children divide the lump-sum death payment among themselves?
Yes, if more than one child is eligible, each child receives an equal share of the $255 lump-sum death payment.