Can my child or I claim the $255 Social Security death benefit without my ex-husband's death certificate?

The $255 death benefit can only be paid to a surviving spouse living with the deceased at the time of death OR to a spouse or child eligible for survivor benefits on the deceased's record. Since you're divorced, you wouldn't qualify unless you remarried him. However, since your children are his, they might qualify if they're eligible for survivor benefits on his record. As for the death certificate, yes, SSA will typically want to see it. They sometimes can verify death information through their systems, but having the death certificate speeds up the process considerably.

my aunt went through this last yr, its just ONE payment of $255 total not per person. Her kids got it after her ex died. She did need the death certificate tho.

To clarify some confusion - the $255 death benefit is a ONE-TIME payment, not per person. It goes to either the eligible surviving spouse OR if there isn't one, to eligible children. Since you're divorced and weren't living with him, your children would be the ones eligible IF they qualify for survivor benefits on his record (which they likely do as minor children). You'll definitely need to contact SSA directly to apply - this benefit isn't automatic. You'll need to apply within 2 years of the death. And yes, you'll need to provide the death certificate. If you don't have it, you can obtain one from the vital records office in the county/state where he died.

when my dad died last year we didn't get ANYTHING! i dont think this $255 is even worth the hassle tbh... barely covers gas money to the SSA office and back lol

I had to deal with this exact situation last summer. The frustrating part was getting through to SSA on the phone - I spent DAYS trying. I finally discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an SSA agent within 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Regarding your actual question - since your children are under 18 and your ex's biological kids, they should be eligible for the lump sum death payment. But ONLY one child will receive it (they don't split it), and yes, you'll need the death certificate. If you don't have it, contact the vital records office where he passed away. You can request it as the parent of his minor children.

I used to work at an SSA field office, and here's what you need to know: 1) The $255 death benefit isn't paid to ex-spouses 2) It can go to the children if they're eligible for benefits on the deceased's record 3) Only ONE payment is made, even if multiple children are eligible (SSA will determine which child receives it) 4) You DEFINITELY need the death certificate 5) You must file within 2 years of death Also, you should look into survivor benefits for your children - they may be eligible for monthly payments until age 18 (or 19 if still in high school). This would be MUCH more significant than the one-time $255 payment.

Yes, survivor benefits for your children would be based on your ex-husband's work history. As long as he worked enough to be "fully insured" (generally 10 years, but can be less depending on age), your children could receive about 75% of his full retirement benefit EACH MONTH until they turn 18 (or 19 if still in high school). This could be hundreds of dollars per month per child - MUCH more significant than the one-time $255 payment. You should definitely apply for this as soon as possible since benefits can be limited to 6 months retroactive.

my neighbor got these survivor benefits for her kids and said it was like $1200 a month for each kid!!! definitely worth applying for!!

dont forget u might need to be the representative payee for ur kids since their minors. thats another form to fill out. SSA makes everything so complicated!!!!

I'm sorry about your ex-husband's passing. When my brother died, we learned that Social Security won't automatically pay these benefits - you MUST apply. And the 2-year deadline is strict. I'd recommend calling your local SSA office directly rather than the national number - sometimes it's easier to get through. Also, bring your children's birth certificates and Social Security cards when you go in, along with your ID and his death certificate.

Definitely make an appointment if possible - the walk-in wait times can be terrible. Some offices are still requiring appointments anyway. Check the SSA website for your local office's phone number. And remember to ask about survivor benefits for your children when you go in - that's the really important part that could help financially for years to come.