What happens to the special lump-sum death payment if there is no eligible surviving spouse?
The lump-sum payment can be paid to the worker's child or children if, during the month the worker died, the child was already receiving benefits on the worker's record or became eligible for benefits upon the worker's death.
Are any other family members eligible for Social Security benefits?
Yes under certain circumstances a stepchild, grandchild, step grandchild or adopted child may be eligible to receive benefits.