The Social Security Administration will pay a specific amount as a death Benefit for covered individuals who were receiving benefits or are eligible survivors. This benefit is paid to the surviving spouse, or to the minor children.

The Veterans Administration will also pay a specific amount as a death benefit for covered individuals who were receiving benefits or are eligible survivors. This benefit is paid to the surviving spouse, or to the minor children.

The decedent may have purchased funeral insurance, or may have been a member of an organization that provides such related benefits. Although it is not directly the responsibility of the personal representative to see that these amounts are collected and paid, in order to discharge his/her duties effectively, these matters should be investigated.