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At this time, the Social Security Q and A Tool can accept terms from a pre-populated list only. Enter the first letter of a keyword related to your inquiry into the search field and choose from the list that appears.
AARP's Social Security Q&A Tool
There is no time limit to claim a widow or widower benefit. However, there IS a time limit to collect the "lump sum" death benefit. This is a one-time payment of $255. In order to receive this payment, you must file the application within a two-year period. Normally, this period ends with the second anniversary of the person's death.
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