Will disability social security pay for cremation?

A one-time payment of $255 is payable to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the beneficiary at the time of death, OR if living apart, was eligible for Social Security benefits on the beneficiary's earnings record for the month of death.

If there is no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child who was eligible for benefits on the beneficiary's earnings record in the month of death.Monthly survivors benefits can be paid to certain family members, including the beneficiary's widow or widower, dependent children and dependent parents.

The following booklets contain more information about filing for benefits and can be downloaded; see related links

• Survivors Benefits (Publication No. 05-10084)

• Social Security: Understanding the Benefits(Publication No. 05-10024)

A family member or other person responsible for the beneficiary's affairs should do the following: Promptly notify Social Security of the beneficiary's death.