Social Security Benefits

Blake Funeral And Cremation Services

Understanding Social Security Survivor Benefits

After the loss of a loved one, families are often faced with a variety of administrative responsibilities. One of the most important steps is determining whether you or other eligible family members qualify for Social Security survivor benefits. Depending on your circumstances, benefits may be available to a surviving spouse, dependent children, parents, or other qualifying family members. Understanding these benefits can help ensure that available resources are accessed during a difficult time.

Understanding eligibility requirements, available benefits, and the application process can feel overwhelming while grieving. At Blake Funeral and Cremation Services, we're committed to helping families throughout Arvada and the Metro Denver area find the information and resources they need. Our Social Security Benefits resource page provides helpful guidance so you can better understand potential survivor benefits and the steps needed to access them. Contact us today to learn more about Social Security survivor benefits and the resources available to help you and your family navigate the next steps.

Social Security Administration seal with blue eagle, red USA letters, and circular text

Certain Family Members May be Eligible to Receive Monthly Benefits, Including:


  • A widow or widower age 60 or older (age 50 or older if disabled);
  • A surviving spouse at any age who is caring for the deceased's child under age 16 or disabled;
  • An unmarried child of the deceased who is younger than age 18 (or age 18 or 19 if he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or secondary school); or age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22;
  • Parents, age 62 or older, who were dependent on the deceased for at least half of their support; and
  • A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances


Some of the deceased's family members may be able to receive Social Security benefits if the deceased person worked long enough under Social Security to quality for benefits. You should get in touch with Social Security as soon as you can to make sure the family receives all of the benefits to which it may be entitled. Please read the following information carefully to learn what benefits may be available.


A one-time payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the deceased; or, if living apart, was receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased's record. If there is no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased's record in the month of death.


The Social Security website is a valuable resource for information about all of Social Security's programs. There are a number of things you can do online.


In addition to using the Social Security website, you can call them toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Staff can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can also available 24 hours a day. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.