Within a few days following the death of a loved one, the Funeral Director at Erlewein Mortuaries will notify the Social Security Administration of the death. You will then need to apply for benefits. The following information will guide you through the application process and help answer some of the questions you may have.

Applying for Benefits
Benefits can be applied for by telephone or in person at any Social Security office. Some of the documents required are listed below. Gather as many of these documents as possible before calling or visiting the Social Security Administration. However, if you do not have all of the information, do not delay your application. The Social Security Administration may be able to help you obtain a document you do not have.

Required Information
• Your social security number
• Your birth certificate
• Deceased's social security number
• Death certificate
• Proof of the deceased's earnings for the preceding year (W-2 forms or self-employment tax return)
• Marriage certificate (if you are applying for benefits as a widow, widower, or divorced wife/husband)
• Divorce decree (if you are applying for benefits as a divorced wife/husband)
• Children's birth certificates (if you are applying for children's benefits)
• Children's social security numbers (if you are applying for children's benefits)
• Your checking or savings account information (if you want your benefits directly deposited)
Original documents or certified copies must be submitted by mail or in person to the Social Security Administration. Photocopies will be made and the originals will be returned to you.

Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Ask your representative about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks, if you are age 65 or older or blind and have limited income and resources. If you receive SSI, you may also qualify for other social services, such as Medicaid or food stamps.

A Reminder
If the deceased was receiving social security benefits before his or her death, any checks which arrive after the death must be returned to the social security office. If the checks were being directly deposited into a bank account, be sure to notify the bank of the death.

Who Can Receive Social Security Survivors Benefits?
Any person who has worked and been paying Social Security (FICA) taxes has been earning social security benefits for his or her family. The amount of time needed working to pay survivors benefits can be as little as 1 ½ years for a young worker. No more than 10 years is required for anyone.

Family members who may be eligible for Survivor Benefits include:
• Widows or widowers age 60 or older
• Widows or widowers at any age, if he or she is caring for the deceased's children, who are under age 16 or disabled
• Widows, widowers, or divorced wives/husbands age 50 or older, if he or she is disabled
• Divorced wives/husbands age 60 or older, if he or she was married to the deceased for 10 years or more
• Children up to age 18
• Children age 18-19, if they attend elementary or high school full-time
• Children over age 18, if they became disabled before age 22
• Parents of the deceased age 62 or older, if they were being supported by the deceased

Lump Sum Death Benefit
In addition to the monthly benefits described above, a one-time payment of $255 may be paid to a spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death.

If there is no such person, the lump sum may be paid to:
• A spouse who is eligible for benefits
• A child or children who is/are eligible for benefits
• The payment will not be made if there are no eligible spouse or children.

For More Information
Write or visit any Social Security Administration for more information. A representative is available from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. weekdays at 1-800- 772-1213.