There are several different kinds of benefits you may be eligible for after your loved one passes away. Two of the most common are life insurance and Social Security survivors benefits. The process of claiming each is rather straightforward, and each pays out in a variety of different ways, depending on the situation and your needs. Benefits generally do not go through probate and are not taxed, though you will have to pay taxes on any interest that your benefits earn.

How to claim benefits 

If your loved one had a pension plan, you may be entitled to receive some benefits. This may be an important source of funds for you and your loved one’s family during this difficult time, so make sure to get the relevant information. Try to find any employment documents, and contact your loved one's former employer. Some pensions pay out the whole pension to surviviors who are named beneficiaries, either in a lump-sum or continuing weekly. Others may pay a percentage. If your loved one died before they retired, there may be a totally different pension payout for survivors.

Pension benefits for survivors

Pursuing a lawsuit may be the last thing you want to think about after losing a loved one. The process can feel daunting and difficult, but it is not as scary as it sounds. Wrongful death lawsuits can result in financial compensation for your loss, closure and comfort for your family, and the suing of any person or facility involved in the negligence of care. Here’s a rundown of what it will look like.

Handling a wrongful death lawsuit for your loved one

If your loved one who passed away was a military veteran, there are many different benefits you and your family may be eligible for. Funeral benefits include allowances for burial plots, or free burial in a national cemetery. You can get a flag, a headstone, and two officers to perform at the ceremony. If certain qualifications are met, you may also be eligible for a pension, as well as many other survivors benefits. Families of those who die from service-related injuries or illnesses will be given large payments to help them through this difficult period.

Claiming veterans benefits

Your loved one may have taken out one or more insurance policies. These are an important source of support during this difficult time, but you will have to locate them and claim the benefits you are owed. You can track down their insurance policies by looking through their papers, drawers, files, checkbook entries, contracts, email and mail correspondence, safe-deposit boxes, tax returns, or contacting their former employers or their union. There are also state databases for finding insurance policies. Life insurance is not the only type of insurance that may have a payout; auto insurance, travel insurance, or workers compensation are among those that may have payouts as well.


Navigating your loved one’s insurance policies

If your loved one belonged to a union, there are several different kinds of benefits you may be entitled to. Contact their union chapter to find out what benefits they provide, including pensions, 401(k)s, funeral and burial benefits, and more. Plus, the fellowship of their union compatriots may provide you with some comfort during this difficult time.

Union benefits for survivors

Pursuing a legal case in your loved one’s death

Understanding and locating benefits to help cover some of the costs after your loved one has died can sound strenuous. It may make you uncomfortable to think you are profiting off their deathAnd you may feel like exploring these options keeps your loss front and center. However, these are often an important way to help relieve the financial burden, and it will be best if you can manage these feelings while exploring the options open to you. Remember, your loved one earned these benefits as a way to continue supporting you now that they are gone.

Navigating benefits amidst your grief

Though it is not a large amount of money, Social Security survivor benefits are am important source of support for many families after they lose a loved one. Eligibility can be complex, but it is worth discovering if you qualify. A Social Security representative should be able to walk you through the requirements. If you are a surviving spouse, a minor child, or a disabled child, and your loved one worked for enough years and earned enough money each year, you may be eligible for a payout every month.

Applying for Benefits

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