Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services | 1254 N. Business IH 35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 624-0500

Social Security and Survivor Benefits

When a loved one passes away, families in New Braunfels, Texas often have questions about Social Security. There are two separate things to understand: a one-time lump-sum death payment, and ongoing survivor benefits. The Social Security Administration administers both, and it is the authority on current amounts and eligibility. As part of the arrangement process, a funeral home commonly reports the death to the SSA using the deceased’s Social Security number. This page explains the basics so you know what to ask. For help during arrangements, call Lux at (830) 624-0500.

The one-time death payment

The Social Security Administration provides a one-time lump-sum death payment, a modest fixed amount, to an eligible surviving spouse or, in certain cases, a dependent child. This payment is separate from ongoing survivor benefits and is not paid automatically in every situation, so it is worth confirming eligibility with the SSA.

Ongoing survivor benefits

Survivor benefits are ongoing monthly benefits that may be available to a surviving spouse, dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents, based on the deceased’s work history. These rules are detailed and depend on age, relationship, and other factors. The Social Security survivor benefits page at ssa.gov explains current eligibility.

How is a death reported to Social Security?

In many cases the funeral home reports the death to the SSA on the family’s behalf during the death-certificate process. You should not assume this has happened automatically; confirm with your Lux funeral director whether the report will be made for your family. For survivor benefits, the family will need to follow up with the SSA directly, since the funeral home does not administer benefits. See what to do when a death occurs and our forms library for related steps.

Social Security FAQ

What is the Social Security death benefit?

The Social Security Administration provides a one-time lump-sum death payment, currently a modest fixed amount, to an eligible surviving spouse or, in some cases, a dependent child. It is separate from ongoing survivor benefits. The Social Security Administration is the authority on current amounts and eligibility.
In many cases the funeral home reports the death to the Social Security Administration on the family’s behalf as part of the arrangements, using the deceased’s Social Security number. Families can also contact the SSA directly. You should not assume the report has been made; confirm with your funeral director and with the SSA.
Survivor benefits may be available to a surviving spouse, dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents, depending on work history and other factors. These are ongoing benefits separate from the one-time death payment. Eligibility rules are detailed, so confirm your situation directly with the Social Security Administration.
As part of handling the death certificate process, funeral homes commonly report the death to the Social Security Administration using the deceased’s information. Confirm with your Lux funeral director whether this report will be made for your family, and follow up with the SSA about survivor benefits, which the funeral home does not administer.
Social security death benefit information for New Braunfels families

Social Security Administration
927 S State Hwy 123 Bypass, Seguin, TX 78155

Social Security Administration
900 Bugg Ln #200, San Marcos, TX 78666