APPLYING FOR SURVIVOR'S BENEFITS

If you believe that you may be eligible for Social Security survivor's benefits, you should apply promptly after the beneficiary's death. The application can be filed at any Social Security office, for locations, please call 800/772-1213. In some cases, benefits will be paid from the time you apply and not from the time of the worker's death.

The application process may proceed faster if you have certain information at the start; however, do not delay simply because all of the required information is not available. The Social Security office can start the application process and advise you on submitting additional evidence.

Some of the documentation needed to support an application for survivor's benefits includes:

• Proof of death-either from a funeral home or death certificate;

• Your Social Security number, as well as the deceased worker's;

• Your birth certificate;

• Your marriage certificate, if you are a widow or widower;

• Your divorce papers, if you are applying as a divorced widow or widower;

• Dependent children's Social Security numbers, if available;

• Deceased worker's W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax return for the most recent year

For specific criteria on eligibility for survivor's benefits, please contact the Social Security office at 800/772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.