how long does a surviving spouse have to collect the 1-time death benefit from Social Security?

Answer 1

My Mom died in 1969. When my Dad passed away in 1994, we discovered that he never applied for the death benefit from Mom's death. We filed the paperwork -- it was in one of his files, signed and ready to go. We got a check for $255 a few weeks later and passed it though his estate.

Answer 2

go to ssa.gov, look under questions about survivors benefits. there is a link in there for the booklet with alot of info on this subject. if this doesnt answer your questions you can call them at 1-800-772-1213.