Documents Needed for Survivor Benefits
To claim survivor benefits from a pension, Social Security, or other retirement program, you'll need to submit specific legal documents that prove your...
Month July 2026
How Millennials Support Aging Parents While Protecting Their Own Retirement Savings
Supporting aging parents doesn't require sacrificing your retirement if you set clear boundaries and make intentional financial choices from the start.
The Survivor Benefit Application Process
The survivor benefit application process is the formal procedure through which family members of deceased pension holders or retirement plan members claim...
Who Gets the Lump Sum Death Benefit
The lump sum death benefit is typically paid to whoever the pension plan participant designated as their beneficiary at the time of death.
The Lump Sum Death Payment Amount
The lump sum death payment amount is a one-time cash benefit paid to your beneficiaries when you die, typically ranging from a few thousand dollars to...
The Social Security Death Benefit
The Social Security Death Benefit consists of two components: a one-time lump-sum payment of $255 to eligible survivors and monthly survivor benefits paid...
Stopping Social Security Payments After Death
Social Security payments stop the month after the month in which a beneficiary dies, even if death occurs on the very last day of that month.
Notifying Social Security of a Death
To notify Social Security of a death, survivors or the funeral home must call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213.
How Many Death Certificates Do You Need
Most families need between 5 and 10 original death certificates, though some situations require significantly more.
At Least 31% of Widows Discover Pension Benefits Were Reduced or Eliminated After Their Spouse’s Death
Nearly one in three widows loses pension income after their spouse's death due to overlooked payout decisions made years earlier.