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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To apply for Social Security survivor benefits, gather evidence of the worker’s death, your identity and birth, and the relationship that supports your claim. Depending on the benefit, Social Security may also ask for children’s records, the worker’s recent earnings records, or medical information. The exact checklist depends on who is applying and which benefit is claimed. SSA’s spouse and surviving divorced spouse application says not to delay filing just because you do not have every document; the agency will help obtain missing records.
Documents to gather for a survivor claim
Use this as a preparation list, not a requirement that every applicant submit every item. SSA will tell you which evidence applies to your claim.
- Proof of the worker’s death. This may be a death certificate or evidence from a funeral home.
- Your birth evidence and Social Security number. SSA may ask for your birth certificate or other proof of birth. Its survivor publication also asks applicants for their Social Security number and, if available, the deceased worker’s Social Security number.
- Citizenship or lawful-status evidence, if applicable. SSA’s spouse application lists proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status for applicants not born in the United States.
- Proof of your relationship to the worker. A spouse may need a marriage certificate. A surviving divorced spouse may need a final divorce decree.
- The worker’s recent earnings records. SSA may request the deceased worker’s W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the most recent year.
- Children’s information, when a child is part of the claim. SSA’s publication lists children’s Social Security numbers if available and birth certificates when applying for children.
- Bank information for direct deposit. SSA’s survivor publication lists the bank name and account number.
- Military discharge papers, if relevant. SSA’s spouse application lists U.S. military discharge papers for service before 1968.
- Medical information, if the claim is disability-based. SSA may identify medical forms needed for that claim.
These items are drawn from SSA-10 and SSA’s survivors publication; the publication also notes that original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency may be needed.
Extra documents depend on the kind of benefit
Mother’s or father’s benefits
For a mother’s or father’s benefit, SSA’s SSA-5 application checklist includes the child’s birth evidence and proof of marriage. A surviving divorced mother or father may be asked for a final divorce decree.
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Lump-sum death payment
For the separate lump-sum death payment, SSA’s SSA-8 application lists birth evidence, citizenship or lawful-status evidence if applicable, military discharge papers for service before 1968, recent earnings records, and a death certificate among possible documents.
SSA’s FAQ, dated March 13, 2024, describes the payment as $255 for a qualifying spouse or child and says an eligible survivor must apply within two years of the worker’s death. These figures apply to the lump-sum payment, not the monthly survivor benefit, and may change; confirm current rules with SSA. SSA’s survivor FAQ.
Death certificates and other proof of death
SSA may request evidence of the date and place of death. The regulation at 20 CFR § 404.720 identifies a certified public death record or coroner’s report as preferred evidence. It also names a statement from a funeral director, attending physician, or institution official, as well as certain official U.S. or consular records. If preferred evidence cannot be obtained, SSA may ask why and request other convincing evidence.
In practical terms, a death certificate is one possible form of proof, but SSA’s materials also recognize other evidence. Follow the instructions SSA gives you for your claim.
Originals, copies, and missing documents
SSA says photocopies are acceptable for W-2s, self-employment tax returns, and medical documents. For documents such as a birth certificate, the agency generally must see an original; an original or a copy certified by the issuing agency may be required. SSA says it will return documents. Check the instructions for your claim before mailing an irreplaceable original. SSA-10; SSA’s survivors publication.
If you are missing a record, file rather than waiting to assemble a complete packet. SSA says it will help obtain missing documents. Its publication also advises prompt filing because, for some claims, payments may run from the application date rather than the worker’s date of death.
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- Contact Social Security. Survivors cannot apply online, according to SSA’s survivor guidance. Call 1-800-772-1213, or TTY 1-800-325-0778, or contact a local Social Security office.
- Ask which evidence applies to your situation. Tell SSA whether you are applying as a spouse, surviving divorced spouse, child, or dependent parent, and whether the claim involves disability or qualifying military service.
- Provide the records SSA requests. The agency’s checklist varies by claimant and benefit type; its claim-specific instructions determine which documents to submit and whether originals or certified copies are needed.
SSA’s FAQ lists telephone service Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. A funeral home will usually notify Social Security of a death, but an eligible survivor still needs to contact SSA about a claim. If you already receive benefits on the deceased person’s record as a spouse or child, payments may be updated automatically. If you receive benefits on your own record, contact SSA to ask whether the deceased worker’s record could provide a higher amount. SSA survivor FAQ.
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