My parents died a number of years ago. I never filed a burial benefits. Is there a time limit to file ?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Social Security doesn't really pay a burial benefit, but there is a one-time death benefit of $255 that can be paid to certain survivors. However, the death benefit can only be paid if an application is filed within 2 years of the deceased person's death (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.15/handbook-1517.html).

The only survivors who can qualify for the $255 death are widow(er)s, or children who were receiving child's benefits on the deceased worker's record in the month of death. So, unless you were receiving child's benefits at the time of your parents' deaths you couldn't have qualified for the one-time death benefit anyway.

Best, Jerry