Social Security Benefits
The following information is designed to help you determine
what benefits may be available to you. If you have any
questions on how to apply, please contact our staff
at 903.874.4774.
Eligibility
The deceased worker must have credit for work covered
by Social Security, ranging from 1 1/2 to 10 years depending
on his or her age at death.
Who may receive monthly benefits
Who may receive monthly benefits
- A widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled),
or at any age if caring for an entitled child who
is under 16 or disabled.
- A divorced widow or widower age 60 or older (50
if disabled) if the marriage lasted 10 years, or if
caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled.
- Unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending
a primary or secondary school full time).
- Children who were disabled before reaching 22, as
long as they remained disabled.
- Dependent parent or parents 62 or older.
Lump-sum death payment
A one-time payment of $255 is paid in addition to the
monthly cash benefits described above. The lump-sum
death payment (LSDP) is paid in the following priority
order:
- A surviving spouse who lived in the same household
as the deceased person at the time of death.
- A surviving spouse eligible for or entitled to benefits
for the month of death.
- A child or children eligible for or entitled to
benefits for the month of death.
Applying for benefits
You must apply in order to receive benefits. You may
apply at any Social Security office or, if you wish,
you may apply by telephone. Just dial the toll-free
number 1-800-772-1213 and the operator will schedule
an appointment for you or arrange for the local Social
Security office to take your claim by telephone.
Social security teleservice - doing business
by telephone
You may call Social Security toll-free, 365 days a
year, 24 hours a day. The number to use is 1-800-772-1213.
To speak with a representative, call between the hours
of 7:00am and 7:00pm on regular business days. At other
times and on weekends and holidays, you may leave a
message and they will call you back, in most cases,
the next business day.
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Veterans’ Benefits
What Is A VA Burial Allowance ?
A VA burial allowance is a partial reimbursement of
an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs. When
the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursement
is generally described as two payments: (1) a burial
and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot interment
allowance.
Who Is Eligible ?
You may be eligible for a VA burial
allowance if:
- you paid for a veteran's burial or funeral AND
- you have not been reimbursed by another government
agency or some other source, such as the deceased
veteran's employer AND
- the veteran was discharged under conditions other
than dishonorable.
In addition, at least one of the
following conditions must be met:
- the veteran died because of a service-related disability
OR
- the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation
at the time of death OR
- the veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or
compensation but decided not to reduce his/her military
retirement or disability pay OR
- the veteran died in a VA hospital or while in a
nursing home under VA contract, or while in an approved
state nursing home.
How Much Does VA Pay ?
Service-Related Death.
VA will pay up to $1,500 toward burial expenses for
deaths prior to September 10, 2001. For deaths on
or after September 11, 2001, VA will pay $2,000. If
the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some
or all of the cost of moving the deceased may be reimbursed.
Nonservice-Related Death.
VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses,
and a $150 plot interment allowance for deaths prior
to December 1, 2001. The plot-interment allowance
is $300 for deaths on or after December 1, 2001. If
the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital
or under contracted nursing home care, some of all
of the costs for transporting the deceased’s
remains may be reimbursed.
How Can You Apply ?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-530, Application
for Burial Allowance. You should attach proof of the
veteran's military service (DD 214), a death certificate,
and copies of funeral and burial bills you have paid.
Related Benefits
Burial in VA National Cemeteries
Headstones and Markers
Presidential Memorial Certificates
Burial Flags
For More Information Call
Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000
Or Visit Our Web Site At
www.cem.va.gov
Compensation & Pension
Service – April 2002
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