Social Security Death and Survivors Benefits in Colorado
When someone dies, Social Security may provide benefits to their family. The Social Security Administration pays a one-time death payment of $255 to an eligible surviving spouse or child, and eligible survivors may also qualify for monthly survivors benefits. A death must be reported to Social Security, and a funeral home often does this on the family’s behalf. Stork-Morley Funerals and Cremations notifies Social Security as part of helping you with arrangements, so that is one less thing to worry about. For benefit details and to apply, contact the Social Security Administration. Call us at (303) 237-5350 with any questions about what we handle.
Helping Families Across the Denver Metro Area
We help families in Lakewood, Denver, Wheat Ridge, Edgewater, Golden, Arvada, Littleton, Englewood, Westminster, and Morrison understand the next steps after a death, including notifying Social Security.
How Much Is the Social Security Death Benefit?
The Social Security Administration pays a one-time death payment of $255 to an eligible surviving spouse or, in some cases, an eligible child. This is separate from monthly survivors benefits, which some spouses, children, and dependent parents may also qualify for. A death must be reported to Social Security, and the funeral home can often do this for you.
How Stork-Morley Helps With Social Security
We Notify Social Security for You
Notifying the Social Security Administration of a death is part of how we help with arrangements, including in our simple cremation package, so you have one less task to handle.
We Point You in the Right Direction
We can explain which benefits to ask about and direct you to the Social Security Administration to apply, so you know where to start.
We Keep It Simple
At an overwhelming time, we handle the details we can and explain the rest in plain language, with no pressure.
We Are Here for Questions
If you are unsure what has been done or what to do next, call us. We are glad to walk you through it.
Social Security After a Death, at a Glance
The table summarizes common Social Security matters after a death. The Social Security Administration makes all eligibility decisions.
| Item | What it is | How it is handled |
|---|---|---|
| One-time death payment | A $255 lump-sum payment | Paid to an eligible surviving spouse or child; apply through the SSA |
| Monthly survivors benefits | Ongoing benefits for eligible survivors | Eligible spouses, children, or dependent parents apply with the SSA |
| Reporting the death | Notifying the SSA that a person has died | Often reported by the funeral home; cannot be done online |
Caring Help You Can Count On
- We notify Social Security as part of your arrangements.
- Plain-language guidance on benefits and next steps.
- Family-owned since 1994; rated 4.9 on Google.
- Call (303) 237-5350 with any questions, any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Social Security death benefit?
The Social Security Administration pays a one-time death payment of $255 to an eligible surviving spouse or, in some cases, an eligible child. This is separate from monthly survivors benefits.
Who qualifies for the $255 death payment?
Generally a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased, or who was receiving certain benefits, may qualify, and in some cases an eligible child. The Social Security Administration makes the final determination.
How do I report a death to Social Security?
A death cannot be reported to Social Security online. The funeral home can report it for you using the deceased’s Social Security number, or you can call the Social Security Administration directly.
Does Stork-Morley notify Social Security for us?
Yes. Notifying Social Security is part of how we help with arrangements, including in our simple cremation package, so that task is taken care of for you.
What survivors benefits might my family qualify for?
Eligible widows, widowers, children, and sometimes dependent parents may qualify for monthly survivors benefits. Contact the Social Security Administration to learn what your family may receive and to apply.
Reviewed by Peter Morley, Funeral Director at Stork-Morley Funerals and Cremations, Lakewood, CO.