Receiving Lump Sum Disability Payments After a Relative Dies

Your family members rely on their Social Security disability benefits to provide for their daily needs. If they can no longer work, Social Security benefits are likely their primary source of income. Spouses and children may also count on that income. But when the disabled person passes away, so do their monthly benefits.

Family members and beneficiaries can get a one-time lump sum payment after a loved one on Social Security dies. Surviving spouses can also get survivor benefits. For more information about your eligibility for disability payments, talk to a Social Security disability lawyer.

What Are Lump Sum Disability Payments?

Lump sum disability payments can refer to different types of benefits. After you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), approval can take time. After the sixth month of your disability, you’re eligible for these benefits while you wait. After the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves your claim, you can get a lump sum payment for the time when you were eligible but didn’t get benefits.

Social Security also provides a one-time lump sum death benefit when the covered person dies. The death benefit can assist with burial expenses. But this one-time payment isn’t very much money. In 2024, the death benefit was only $255. The average funeral can cost $10,000 or more.

Surviving spouses and dependent children can also get survivor benefits. Survivor benefit payments are monthly—it’s not a one-time payment.

How Long Does It Take to Get Lump Sum Disability Payments?

Social Security disability benefits don’t start as soon as you become disabled. There are limited exceptions. You get disability payments in the sixth entire month after your disability begins. According to the SSA, you must wait five months before you can receive your first SSDI payment. If you become disabled on January 1, 2025, your disability benefits will start in June 2025.

However, there is no waiting period if your disability involves amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). If you can’t work because of ALS, your disability benefits begin the month after you become disabled.

The SSA recommends applying to SSDI as soon as you become disabled. But if you apply late, you can get a lump sum payment for the time when you were eligible for benefits before approval.

For example, say you become disabled on January 1, 2025. You are eligible for benefits starting in June 2025. If you apply in August 2025, you can get a one-time lump sum disability payment for June, July, and August.

What Is a Social Security Lump Sum Death Payment?

A lump sum death payment (LSDP) is a one-time benefit for surviving relatives. In 2024, the one-time lump sum death payment was $255.

You can also contact the SSA directly to apply for the lump sum and survivor benefits. You can apply within two years from the time of death. Use Form SSA-8 to get the information you need to apply for a lump sum death payment. You may need the following documents for the deceased:

• Birth certificate
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Military discharge papers
• W-2 employment forms for the last year
• A death certificate

If you’re the surviving spouse, the Social Security Administration will also need your information. This includes your Social Security number, Social Security claim history, and information about prior spouses. If you want to set up direct deposit, bring your bank account information. You can contact the SSA in several ways, including:

• Online at ssa.gov
• By phone at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778
• At your local Social Security office

You can report a relative’s death through a funeral director. Funeral homes are familiar with the process of reporting a person’s death to the SSA.

Who Can Receive the Death Benefit?

Generally, the surviving spouse can receive the death benefit with certain conditions. If there’s no surviving spouse, a child eligible for their parent’s Social Security survivor benefits can get the benefit. The dependent parent of someone who paid into Social Security can also get the benefit. Stepchildren, grandchildren, or other family members are also eligible under certain conditions.

Spouses or divorced spouses without a disability can get the benefit if they meet the following requirements:

• Are 60 or older;
• Were married for at least nine months before death; and
• Didn’t remarry before age 60

Unmarried children can also get the death benefit if they are one of the following:

• Under the age of 18
• Age 18-19 in secondary school full time
• Disabled at age 21 or younger

What Can You Do if the Lump Sum Disability Payment Is Denied?

Survivor benefits and lump sum disability benefits are important to help provide for you after your loved one dies. Unfortunately, you may have problems working with the SSA. If your claim is denied or you aren’t getting your full benefits, talk to a Social Security disability lawyer. A Social Security disability lawyer can appeal your case to help you recover your benefits after a relative dies.