Collecting Benefits
This section will help you determine which benefits you and your family have coming to you and how to ensure you take the right steps to collect them. It might be difficult to address such impersonal matters at this time, but it is critical because you wont receive any money until you fill out the required paperwork.
Social Security Benefits
Social security benefits are paid to widows, widowers and children, the disabled and other surviving family members.
While the funeral director usually notifies the Social Security Administration, this is not considered a formal claim for benefits. You must also file a benefits claim by contacting the nearest Social Security office as soon as possible. The amount of the survivor's benefit is based on the lifetime earnings of the person who died and other eligibility requirements. A single phone call will let you know the specifics of your benefits. You can refer to the SS Publication No. 05-10084 entitled, Social Security Survivor Benefits.
Life & Health Insurance Benefits
Contact the following sources for information about possible coverage: decedent's current and previous employers, your employer and lenders for mortgages, personal loans and credit cards. Many social organizations, professional associations and unions offer group life insurance plans.
To initiate any insurance claims, follow the instructions given to you by the governing organization or simply contact the insurance company. If the policy can't be located, contact the American Council of Life Insurance.
Employee Benefits
An employee may be eligible for retirement benefits after as little as five to ten years. You may also be eligible for unpaid salary, accrued vacation time and Worker's compensation benefits. Contact the Human Resources Director at current and past employers to find out what you and your family may expect to receive.
Veteran's Benefits
If you are the spouse or child of a veteran, you maybe eligible to receive reimbursement of burial plot expenses, pension payments and education assistance. Contact your local Veteran's Administration office for more information.
For information about identifying and collecting the full benefits due you and your family, refer to Chapter Two of The Survivor Assistance Handbook.
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