Apply

• A spouse or other recipient who believes he or she is qualified to receive Social Security benefits should apply as soon as possible. The Social Security Administration (SSA) advises you to call the SSA's toll-free number, 800-772-1213, or visit your local SSA office. If you are hearing impaired you can call 800-325-0778.
  
  

Benefit Types

• There are several types of survivor or dependent benefits that you may be eligible for: lump sum death payment; widow's, widower's or surviving divorced spouse's benefit; child's benefit; and mother's, father's or parent's benefit. In order to make an informed decision about the most appropriate benefit, discuss your options with an SSA representative.
  
  

Proof

• You will need to provide proof of eligibility in order to receive Social Security survivor dependent benefits. The SSA suggests that you bring the documents (listed in the next section) with you when you sign up for survivor dependent benefits. If you do not have all the suggested documents at the time, SSA suggests that you still initiate the process, and they may be able to help you obtain the documents you're missing.
  
  

Required Documents

• When planning to sign up for Social Security survivor and dependent benefits, you will need to provide several important documents. It may also be a good idea to speak with an SSA representative to find out if you need any other paperwork.
  
  Locate and bring with you: your Social Security card (or a record of your number); your birth certificate; your spouse's birth certificate and Social Security number if he or she is applying for benefits based on your earnings; marriage certificate if signing up on a spouse's earnings or if your spouse is signing up on your earnings; your military discharge papers if you served in the military; your most recent W-2 form or your tax return if you are self-employed; your children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers if you are applying for them; and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status if you or a child were not born in the United States.
  
  

Coverage Begins

• Even though you may have immediate need for the Social Security benefits, it will take at least a few weeks to begin the processing of benefit checks. According to the SSA, no benefits are payable the month that the worker dies. If you have received a benefit check for the month that the worker died, it must be returned to the SSA.
  
  

Dependent Spouse

• While there may be several survivor beneficiaries, a surviving spouse is the most common benefit recipient. According to the National Caregivers Library, a surviving spouse can choose between receiving full spouse benefits at retirement age or receiving benefits based on his or her own work record. If the surviving spouse is disabled, benefits can be received at age 50.
  
  

Children

• Children are also eligible to receive benefits from a deceased parent worker. A surviving child can be eligible for benefits if the child is younger than 18 or up to age 19 and is in elementary or secondary school full time. Stepchildren, adopted children, grandchildren and stepgrandchildren also may qualify for survivor benefits.