Must the Lump Sum Death Benefit be claimed within two years from the date of death?

• A. Within two years from date of death
• B. Within six months
• C. Within one year
• D. Within five years

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that this benefit is a one-time Social Security payment with a strict filing window. The Lump Sum Death Benefit is intended to help with burial costs for eligible survivors, but you must file a claim within two years from the date of death. If you don’t file within that two-year period, the benefit is not payable, even if you would otherwise qualify. This two-year limit keeps the process timely and aligns payments with the administrative and documentation cycle. Remember, eligibility to receive the payment (such as being a qualifying survivor) is a separate requirement, but the claim itself must be made within two years of death.