What happens to Social Security Disability benefits when someone dies?
When someone with Social Security Disability benefits dies, their benefits stop. The Social Security Administration will pay a lump-sum death benefit to the person’s family members or other eligible persons in the amount of $255. This death benefit is payable to the person’s surviving spouse—if he or she was living with the deceased, or living apart from the deceased but receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record. In North Carolina, a surviving spouse may also be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits on the deceased person’s record. To be eligible, the surviving spouse must be at least age 60, or at least age 50 and disabled, and have been married to the deceased for at least 10 years. In addition to Social Security Disability benefits, the family of the deceased may also be eligible for other types of benefits, such as survivor benefits from the deceased’s pension plan or veterans’ benefits. It is important for family members to contact the Social Security Administration and other government agencies to determine their eligibility for these types of benefits. Ultimately, when someone dies, their Social Security Disability benefits stop. However, the surviving family members may be eligible for other types of benefits to help them cope with their loss. Contacting the Social Security Administration and other government agencies is the best way to determine what benefits are available.
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