Social Security supports family members after the loss of a loved one

In Puerto Rico, between 34,000 and 36,000 people die each year. With such a high mortality rate - between 10 and 11 deaths per 1,000 inhabitants, while in other countries it is between 7 and 8 - it is vital to know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers support to families in difficult times, such as the death of a loved one. Through a variety of benefits and resources, the agency seeks to alleviate some of the financial burden that can arise after the loss.

One of the recommended first steps after a death is to provide the deceased's Social Security number to the funeral director, as the funeral home is usually responsible for notifying the SSA of the death. It is also crucial that family members contact the agency directly as soon as possible to ensure they receive all available benefits.

Among the financial assistance available is the lump-sum death benefit, a lump-sum payment of $255 that can be received by the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the deceased or, living separately, was entitled to certain benefits under the decedent's record. In the absence of a spouse, an eligible child may receive this payment.

In addition to the lump sum, several family members may be eligible for monthly survivor benefits, provided the decedent worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security. These benefits include:

- Surviving spouse over age 60, or over age 50 if disabled.

- Spouse of any age caring for a child under age 16 or disabled who receives Social Security benefits.

- Unmarried children under age 18, or up to age 19 if in full-time education, as well as children with a disability whose condition began before age 22.

- Stepchildren, grandchildren, stepgrandchildren, or stepchildren under certain circumstances.

- Parents over age 62 who were dependent on the deceased for at least half of their support.

- Surviving ex-spouses who meet specific requirements.

It is important to note that if the deceased was receiving benefits, they must be repaid in full as of the month of death. If the payments were made by direct deposit, the bank should be contacted to arrange for the return. If a check was received, it should not be cashed, but returned to the agency.

The SSA reminds that survivors' benefits can be applied from the same month in which the death occurred, as long as the requirements are met.

For more information, interested parties can visit www.ssa.gov/es/survivor, where they will find details in Spanish about available benefits, forms and other useful resources. The agency can also be reached through its toll-free number 1-800-772-1213, available in Spanish, or 1-800-325-0778 for the hearing impaired. We recommend calling between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., or later in the day, especially Wednesday through Friday, when call volume is lower.