Legal Question in Social Security Law in Pennsylvania

Obtain death certificate for SS child survivor benefits
I am in the state of PA. I have 2 minor children, with a child support order and paternity acknowledgement filed in the court. Their father now has terminal small cell lung cancer. I am not on speaking terms with his family. What are my options for obtaining the father's death certificate required for when it comes time to apply for SS death benefits for my children? I have read the SS guidelines for PA regarding survivor benefits and the children should generally qualify, and he has well over the number of credits to qualify.

As for the SS application....I have his social security number, and know some other general information. The support division of the courts could fill in the blanks since it is a government agency as well? Or am I required to do my own research?

The father does not currently receive any benefits.

Asked on 6/12/08, 4:32 pm

Randall Selagy F. Randall Selagy, P.C.

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Re: Obtain death certificate for SS child survivor benefits

When he passes, contact the funeral home for a copy of the death certificate. Or contact Vital Records for a copy of the Death Certificate.

LINK: http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=168&Q=202275

SSA can contact Vital Records too.

File an application for survivors' benefits as soon as you can.

See this link for the info:

http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/howtoapply3.htm

Don't forget to make a claim on his estate (if he has one).

Answered on 6/12/08, 7:48 pm

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