When someone dies, certain family members may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits. The specific benefits available depend on the deceased person's Social Security earnings record and the relationship of the surviving family member to the deceased. The most common types of survivor benefits include:

• Survivors' insurance benefits: Monthly benefits paid to a surviving spouse or minor children of a deceased worker.
• One-time death benefit: A lump-sum payment of $255 to the surviving spouse if they were living with the deceased at the time of death or if they were eligible to receive Social Security benefits on the deceased's record.
• Survivors' disability benefits: Monthly benefits paid to surviving disabled children or surviving spouse who is also disabled.

To learn more about survivor benefits and to see if you are eligible, you can visit the Social Security Administration's website or call their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213.