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Lump-sum death payment

The lump-sum death payment is a one-time payment intended to help cover costs when a spouse or parent dies.

A spouse might get a one-time death benefit payment of $255. If there’s no spouse, some children may be eligible, including those who are:

  • Age 17 or younger, or,
  • Ages 18–19 and in school (K–12) full time or,
  • Any age if they developed a disability at age 21 or younger.

A spouse who doesn’t live in the same home may be eligible if they can get benefits based on the record of the person who died. You must apply for this payment within 2 years of the family member’s death.

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Tell the representative you want to apply for a lump-sum death payment.

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