what kind of attorney helps you collect a death benefit

by Kaylee Schumm 3 min read

Using more than 30 years of legal experience combined with the expertise of a board-certified specialist in Social Security disability law, Mobile death benefits lawyer Byron A. Lassiter and our support team help family members obtain benefits when they lose a loved one who worked long enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits.

Full Answer

What benefits are you entitled to when someone dies?

Helping you obtain benefits after the death of a loved one For help from our death benefit attorneys and staff in Baldwin County, Mobile County and the surrounding areas, contact Byron …

What are death benefits from workers’ compensation?

If you are a family member who is entitled to receive a loved one’s death benefits, but they have been denied, then it may be in your best interest to speak with a qualified financial attorney for …

What to do if your death benefits are denied?

The benefits are paid to the person who paid the deceased worker’s burial and funeral costs. The current benefit amount is set at $8,000 and this number is adjusted periodically. A …

How to speed up the death benefit claims process?

That’s why working with an NYC death benefit lawyer from Finkelstein, Meirowitz & Eidlisz, LLP is so crucial. Our attorneys will do everything possible to help you file a successful death benefit …

image

What Should I Do If I Am Denied Death Benefits That Were Promised to Me?

When a surviving family member has been denied death benefits, the first thing that they should do is determine why they were denied. The answer will serve as a guide for which agency has to be contacted, or whether the decision can even be appealed. Thus, it may also be helpful to understand the appeals process and how to begin it.

What are Some Reasons Why My Death Benefits Could Be Denied?

In some instances, the government may deny a deceased’s family members death benefits. This can be especially hard on a family who lost their loved one because they were serving their community (e.g., soldiers, police, or firefighters).

Should I Hire an Attorney for Help If My Death Benefits Have Been Denied?

If you are a family member who is entitled to receive a loved one’s death benefits, but they have been denied, then it may be in your best interest to speak with a qualified financial attorney for assistance.

Who Can File a Death Benefit Claim in New York?

In the state of New York, the loved ones of fatal workplace accident victims are entitled to seek compensation through the work comp system.

Benefits Your Family Could Receive

If you are one of the qualifying family members, you’re likely wondering what type of help you can expect to receive after filing a death benefits claim.

Connect with a New York City Death Claim Attorney

If you recently lost a loved one to an on-the-job accident, our attorneys are standing by and ready to help. We understand that this is a trying time, and we will do everything we can to help you maximize the death benefits your family is eligible for.

What are survivor benefits?

Survivor benefits are funds that are paid out by Social Security to survivors of someone who has passed away in the form of both monthly payments (if eligible) and a one time lump sum payment of $255.

Lump sum payment

The one-time lump sum payment of $255 is paid out to the surviving spouse if the surviving spouse was living with the deceased. If the surviving spouse was living apart, they might still be able to get the one-time payment, but restrictions apply.

Who is entitled to death benefits from Social Security?

In addition to the one time lump sum payment, eligible family members can also receive additional benefits in the form of monthly payments. You can always check your eligibility by calling Social Security or by checking this eligibility list. This includes:

How much money would survivors receive monthly?

If you qualify to receive monthly payments by qualifying in one of the categories listed above, the amount of money you receive will depend on the average lifetime earnings of the deceased. Survivors of higher earners will receive more money in survivor benefits.

How long do you get survivor benefits for?

Social Security survivor benefits last for life if you are a widow or widower (who does not remarry) or if you are the parents of the deceased that received at least 50% of your support from the deceased.

What percentage of Social Security benefits does a widow receive?

Widows and widowers will receive a different percentage depending on their age. Widows or widowers who are full retirement age or older will earn 100% of the benefit amount. Widows or widowers who are at least 60 but not yet full retirement age will earn 71.5% - 99% of the basic amount.

How do I apply for Social Security death benefits?

To apply for Social Security death benefits, you’ll need to speak with a Social Security representative by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 AM - 5:30, M-F. You cannot apply for Social Security death benefits online so be wary and vigilant around any type of emails, websites, or offers you get to apply for these benefits online.

When Do Death Benefits End?

A spouse who is receiving death benefits will lose continual benefits when they remarry. Although, early cancelation for this reason can include a settlement equal to two full years of benefits. Children can lose access to death benefits when they age out of their benefits category or experience a major life change that disqualifies them.

Funeral & Burial Benefits

You can receive additional death benefits to pay for your deceased loved one’s funeral and burial services.

Turn Your Case into a Success

Workers’ compensation claims are stressful, even in the best of situations. After losing your loved one to a workplace accident or occupational hazard, you are sure to be feeling the full weight of the tragic situation.

What to do when you are deceased?

Insurance policies. Contact the deceased’s employer to learn about any policies the person may have had through work. Financial and retirement accounts. Contact the deceased’s accountant to learn about any pensions, accounts, investments, or funds that you may not be aware of. Veteran and governmental benefits.

What are the benefits you may be entitled to?

Receive all the benefits you may be entitled to, as quickly as possible. Let's start with a quick overview of the types of benefits you may be owed: Life Insurance. Annuities (i.e. a fixed sum of money paid on an annual basis) Social Security (Monthly survivors benefits and a one-time death benefit) Military Benefits (This may include ...

What are the benefits of Social Security?

Social Security (Monthly survivors benefits and a one-time death benefit) Military Benefits (This may include a burial allowance, wartime service pension, and/or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) Disability or Workman's Compensation (You're entitled to any balance owed at the time of death) Wages owed from a former employer.

What is life insurance?

Life Insurance. Annuities (i.e. a fixed sum of money paid on an annual basis ) Social Security (Monthly survivors benefits and a one-time death benefit) Military Benefits (This may include a burial allowance, wartime service pension, and/or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation)

What does "death doesn't qualify" mean?

Death Doesn’t Qualify: It will claim that the way the policyholder died is not covered. Misrepresentation: It will allege that the policyholder misrepresented essential facts about himself or herself in the agreement, therefore voiding the policy. This is not an exclusive list.

Why do people buy life insurance?

That’s why life insurance exists. Purchasing a life insurance policy is a decision to try to protect the beneficiaries from financial disaster if the worst should happen.

Why does life insurance exist?

The death of a family member is traumatic and painful. If that person was relied upon to provide financially, the monetary survival of those left behind is at risk. That’s why life insurance exists.

Who can help you fill out a life insurance claim?

A life insurance agent or the life insurance company can help you fill out the necessary forms. A life insurance company may deny a claim, including if the person lied on the life insurance application or the deceased person stopped paying premiums. Wondering how to file a life insurance claim?

Can a deceased person get life insurance?

It's possible the deceased had life insurance through work or bought a policy independently from a life insurance company, so insurance agents and human resources personnel may also help track down policy information. 2. Check for other policies.

What is the purpose of life insurance?

It’s not greedy to think about life insurance after a person's death. The purpose of having life insurance is to help loved ones cope with the loss.

Who is Bob Fee?

It can also benefit people in many other life circumstances, says Bob Fee, president of Fee Insurance Group in Hutchinson, Kansas. “Nearly everyone has some life insurance needs, even if you don’t think you do,” says Fee, who also is chair-elect of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

How to make a claim on life insurance?

Get the policy details. With any luck, you're already aware of the deceased's life insurance policy and where it's located. Ideally, it will be stored safely, such as in a metal filing cabinet or fireproof lockbox.

What to do if you never mentioned someone on your insurance?

Check for other policies. Even if the deceased never mentioned them, there may be other insurance policies in place. These can include accidental death and dismemberment policies, which employers sometimes offer as riders to their insurance policies. Check with the deceased's human resources representative.

What insurance policies do you have if you never mentioned someone?

These can include accidental death and dismemberment policies, which employers sometimes offer as riders to their insurance policies. Check with the deceased's human resources representativ e.

image