The funeral home has filed the preliminary form for the Social Security benefit. A death benefit in the amount of $255.00 is eligible to a surviving spouse or dependent children, with certain restrictions. It is the Social Security Office which determines if one is entitled to the death benefit. The Social Security office requires personal contact either by telephone or by visiting the local office. You may speak to a representative weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Social Security Administration offices:

  • Philadelphia Central Advisory - 1-800-772-1213
  • Bethlehem Office - 85 W. Broad St. - Bethlehem 18018 - 610-691-2451
  • Easton Office - 200 Ferry St. - Easton 18042 - 610-258-9033
  • Allentown Office - 1251 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. 18103 - Allentown - 610-433-3237

Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. suggests:

  • Your Social Security Office will call you by telephone.
  • You should call your Social Security Office by telephone.
  • There is no need to contact the Social Security Office.
  • The benefit is to a surviving spouse, only.

When you talk with a representative of the Social Security Administration, they will discuss with you:

  • The Burial Benefit.
  • A monthly Social Security Check.

Information needed for contacting Social Security:

  • - Your Social Security number and the deceased worker's Social Security Number.
  • - A death certificate. (The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. will provide a statement that is used for this purpose.)
  • - Proof of the deceased worker's earnings for last year (W-2 forms or self-employment tax return).
  • Your birth certificate.
  • - A marriage certificate, if you are applying for benefits as a widow, widower, divorced wife, or divorced husband.
  • - A divorce decree, if you are applying for *Children's birth certificates and Social Security numbers, if applying for children's benefits.
  • - Your checking or savings account information, if you want direct deposit of your benefits.

You will need to submit original documents or copies certified by the issuing office. You can mail or bring them to the office. Social Security will make photocopies and return your documents.

Be sure to return monthly checks if received on or after the third of the month following the month of death or other benefits will be delayed.

 
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