Social Security Benefits

HOW TO APPLY FOR BENEFITS

You can apply for benefits by telephone or by going to any Social Security office. You may need some of the documents shown on the list below. But don't delay your application because you don't have all the information. If you don't have a document you need, Social Security can help you get it.

INFORMATION NEEDED

  • Your Social Security number and the deceased worker's Social Security number.
  • A death certificate. (Generally, the funeral director provides a statement that can be used for this purpose.)
  • Proof of the deceased worker's earnings for last year (W-2 forms or self-employment tax return).
  • Your birth certificate.
  • A marriage certificate, if you are applying for benefits as a widow, widower, divorced wife, or divorced husband.
  • A divorce decree, if you are applying for benefits as a divorced wife or husband.
  • Children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers, if applying for children's benefits.
  • Your checking or savings account information, if you want direct deposit of your benefits. You will need to submit original documents or copies certified by the issuing office. You can mail or bring them to the office. Social Security will make photocopies and return your documents.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)

If you are 65 or older, disabled, or blind, ask the Social Security representative about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks for people with limited income and resources. If you receive SSI, you may also qualify for Medicaid, food stamps, and other social services.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information, write or visit and Social Security office, or phone the toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. You can speak to a representative weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A REMINDER

A MESSAGE FROM SOCIAL SECURITY

Your funeral director is helping the Social Security office by giving you this information about Social Security benefits. If the deceased was receiving benefits, you need to contact us to report the death. If you think you may be eligible for survivors benefits, you should contact us to apply.

HOW SOCIAL SECURITY HELPS FAMILIES

WHO CAN GET SURVIVORS BENEFITS?

A SPECIAL ONE-TIME PAYMENT

In addition to the monthly benefits for family members, a one-time payment of $255 can be paid to a spouse who was living with the worker at the time of death. If there is none, it can be paid to:

  • A spouse who is eligible for benefits.
  • A child or children eligible for benefits. This payment cannot be made if there is no eligible spouse or child.

Social Security Administration530 Franklin Street Schenectady, NY 12305 Phone: 518.382.1001

www.ssa.gov