Social Security

Social Security benefits paid to your spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, an eligible child, after you die can be used to cover some funeral expenses. But the one-time death benefit payment of $255 is generally only enough to pay for a small percentage of overall costs.

In order for the death benefit to be paid, the Social Security Administration must be notified as soon as possible when you die. Your family will need to provide your Social Security number, which is another reason why it is vital to document of all of your personal information.

Survivor Benefits For Spouses

• A one-time death benefit payment of $255 can be paid to you if you were living with the deceased

• You are eligible to collect 100% of your spouse's monthly benefit at your full retirement age or a reduced benefit as early as age 60; or you will continue to receive your benefit, if higher, provided you are of age to collect benefits

• No survivor benefits are paid if you remarry before age 60 and are still married. If you remarried before age 60 but that marriage has now ended, you may collect survivor benefits from a deceased ex-spouse

For More Info: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf (as of July 2013)