The Social Security Lump Sum Death Payment (LSDP) is a one-time payment of $255 available to eligible survivors of a deceased worker. This benefit can provide financial assistance during a difficult time and help cover funeral or other expenses.
Eligibility Requirements for the LSDP
To be eligible for the LSDP, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a surviving spouse or child of the deceased worker.
- Live in the same household as the worker at the time of their death.
- Meet one of the following additional requirements:
- Be receiving benefits on the worker’s record at the time of their death.
- Become eligible for benefits on the worker’s record upon their death.
If there is no eligible surviving spouse, the LSDP can be paid to the worker’s child (or children) if they meet the same requirements listed above.
How to Apply for the LSDP
You can apply for the LSDP by:
- Calling the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Visiting your local Social Security office.
You will need to provide the following information when you apply:
- Your name and Social Security number.
- The deceased worker’s name, gender, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- The deceased worker’s date and place of death.
- A death certificate for the deceased worker.
- Proof of your relationship to the deceased worker (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
Additional Information
- The LSDP is a one-time payment and does not affect any other Social Security benefits you may be eligible for.
- You must apply for the LSDP within two years of the date of death.
- You can also apply for the LSDP online if you are eligible for survivors benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the LSDP?
A surviving spouse or child of the deceased worker who meets the eligibility requirements listed above.
2. How much is the LSDP?
The LSDP is a one-time payment of $255.
3. How do I apply for the LSDP?
You can apply for the LSDP by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office.
4. What information do I need to provide when I apply?
You will need to provide your name and Social Security number, the deceased worker’s name, gender, date of birth, and Social Security number, the deceased worker’s date and place of death, a death certificate for the deceased worker, and proof of your relationship to the deceased worker.
5. How long do I have to apply for the LSDP?
You must apply for the LSDP within two years of the date of death.
6. Can I apply for the LSDP online?
Yes, you can apply for the LSDP online if you are eligible for survivors benefits.
7. What happens if I am not eligible for the LSDP?
You may still be eligible for other Social Security benefits, such as survivors benefits or a death benefit for a child.
8. Where can I get more information about the LSDP?
You can get more information about the LSDP on the Social Security Administration website or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Documents you may need to provide
We might need you to submit proof of eligibility in the form of the following documents:
- A birth certificate or other proof of birth;
- Proof of U. S. citizenship, or in the case that you were not born in the US, lawful alien status;
- U. S. military discharge paper(s) if you had military service before 1968;.
- W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for last year; and
- A death certificate for the deceased worker.
Important
W-2 forms and self-employment tax returns are acceptable in photocopies, but the majority of other documents, including your birth certificate, require the original. We will return the documents to you.
Don’t wait to apply for benefits because you lack the necessary paperwork. We will help you get them.
Form SSA-8 | Information You Need To Apply For Lump Sum Death Benefit
You can visit your local Social Security office or call our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply for benefits. While making an appointment in advance is not necessary, doing so could shorten the time you have to wait to apply.
You can help by being ready to:
- Provide any needed documents; and
- Answer the questions listed below.