Social Security Information

Social Security Death & Survivor Benefit Information

Florida is an electronic death registration state.

When AVA Cremations files the death certificate with the State of Florida, Social Security is automatically notified through the electronic death registration system (EDRS).
In most cases, no additional action is required to report the death itself.

However, eligible survivors must still contact Social Security directly to apply for benefits, as benefits are not paid automatically.

A one-time payment of $255 may be available to:

A surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death, or
A surviving spouse or child who is eligible for survivor benefits on the deceased’s record

If there is no eligible spouse, an eligible child may receive the payment.

Ongoing monthly benefits may be available to eligible survivors, including:

Surviving spouse, age 60 or older
(age 50 or older if disabled)
Surviving spouse of any age caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled
Children, only if they are:
- Under age 18, or
- Age 18–19 and still in high school full-time, or
- Disabled, with the disability beginning before age 22
Dependent parents, age 62 or older (in limited situations)

Adult children who are not disabled are generally not eligible for survivor benefits.

Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on the deceased person’s Social Security work history and the survivor’s relationship and age.

Social Security benefits are not payable for the month of death.
Any payment received for that month may need to be returned.
Applying for survivor benefits requires documentation, which may include:
- Social Security numbers
- Certified death certificate
- Birth or marriage certificates (if applicable)
- Banking information for direct deposit

Survivor benefits cannot be applied for online.

To apply, survivors must:

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or
Visit a local Social Security office (appointment recommended)
For any additional questions visit their website at https://www.ssa.gov/survivor