If you’re like most people, you think of social security as retirement benefits.  And, it is.  However, the social security program has survivorship benefits as well. Surviving spouse The surviving spouse (or children who are eligible for benefits, if there is no surviving spouse) is entitled to a lump sum payment of $255. The social security administration provides benefits for a surviving spouse once she attains a certain age. The surviving spouse can receive 100% of the deceased spouse’s … [Read more...] about Social Security Survivorship Benefits in a Nutshell