Social Security survivor benefits provide monthly income to widows, widowers, dependent children, and certain other family members after the death of someone who worked and paid Social Security taxes. If you live in El Paso, Texas, you cannot apply for these benefits online — survivor benefits require either a phone call or an in-person visit to the local SSA office. This guide explains who qualifies, what documents to bring, how the application works, and how much you can expect to receive in 2026.
Quick answer
To apply for Social Security survivor benefits in El Paso, you must call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the El Paso SSA office at 11111 Gateway Blvd W. Survivor benefits cannot be applied for online. You will need the deceased person's Social Security number, proof of death, your own identification, marriage/birth certificates, and bank info for direct deposit. Benefits typically start 1–3 months after applying and can be retroactive up to 6 months.
Who can receive survivor benefits
Widows and widowers can receive survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if disabled). A surviving spouse who is caring for the deceased's child under age 16 can receive benefits at any age. Divorced spouses can also qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
Children of the deceased can receive benefits if they are unmarried and under 18 (or 19 if still in high school), or any age if they became disabled before age 22.
Dependent parents aged 62 or older may qualify if they were receiving at least half of their financial support from the deceased.
How much can survivors receive
The amount depends on the deceased person's earnings record. A surviving spouse at full retirement age receives 100% of the deceased's benefit. A widow or widower aged 60 to full retirement age receives between 71.5% and 99% (reduced for early claiming).
Children typically receive 75% of the deceased's benefit. There is a family maximum that caps the total, usually between 150% and 180% of the deceased's basic benefit. SSA calculates exact amounts from the earnings record.
Documents you need
- Original or certified copy of the death certificate.
- Deceased person's Social Security number.
- Your own Social Security number and identification (driver's license or passport).
- Marriage certificate (for spouses) or divorce decree (for divorced spouses).
- Birth certificates of any children who may also qualify.
- Deceased person's W-2 or self-employment tax returns from the most recent year.
- Bank account information (routing and account number) for direct deposit.
- Proof of US citizenship or lawful immigration status, if not born in the US.
Step-by-step process
Step 1 — Report the death first
Before applying for survivor benefits, the death must be reported to Social Security. The funeral home usually does this if you provide the deceased's SSN. If not, call 1-800-772-1213 to report the death.
Step 2 — Call SSA to start your application
You cannot apply for survivor benefits online. Call 1-800-772-1213 between Monday and Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET. The agent will either start the application by phone or schedule an in-person appointment at the El Paso office.
Step 3 — Gather all required documents
Use the checklist above. SSA requires originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Documents in a language other than English need certified translation.
Step 4 — Attend your appointment or phone interview
The interview lasts 30–60 minutes. The SSA representative will ask about your relationship to the deceased, your work history, marital history, and dependents. Bring or have ready every document on the checklist.
Step 5 — Wait for the decision
SSA typically processes survivor benefit applications within 30–60 days. You will receive a written decision by mail. If approved, monthly payments start the month following the determination, with possible back-payments up to 6 months.
Step 6 — Apply for the $255 lump-sum death payment
In addition to monthly benefits, SSA pays a one-time $255 lump-sum death payment to the surviving spouse (or to eligible children if there is no spouse). You must apply within 2 years of the death. It is requested as part of the survivor benefit application.
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive survivor benefits and my own Social Security at the same time?
Not at the same amount. You can switch between them, but you receive whichever benefit is higher. Many widows and widowers strategize: claim survivor benefits first at age 60 (reduced), then switch to their own retirement at age 70 (maximized), or vice versa. SSA helps you compare options when you apply.
What if I am remarried?
Remarriage before age 60 generally disqualifies you from survivor benefits from your previous spouse. Remarriage at age 60 or later does NOT affect your eligibility for survivor benefits from your deceased prior spouse.
How long does it take to get the first payment?
Once approved, the first monthly payment typically arrives 1–3 months after applying. Back payments can cover up to 6 months prior to your application date, so applying sooner means more retroactive benefits.
Are survivor benefits taxable?
Social Security survivor benefits are taxable at the federal level if your total income exceeds certain thresholds. Texas has no state income tax, so survivors in El Paso are not taxed by the state on these benefits. Consult a tax professional or the IRS for your specific situation.