Rep. Amo Introduces Bill to Raise Social Security Death Benefit from $255 to $2,900
This bill was recently introduced and is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Ways and Means. It is in the early stages of the lawmaking process and is not yet scheduled for a vote. There are no companion bills currently linked to this proposal.
While the bill addresses a long-standing issue, it currently lacks bipartisan support and faces a difficult path in a divided Congress.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Surviving spouses who are homeowners and lose a partner may benefit from the increased death payment to help cover immediate expenses during a financially vulnerable time. However, the $2,900 payment remains modest relative to overall household costs.
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
This industry report discusses the re-introduction of the Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act in December 2025. It notes that while the $2,900 benefit would aid grieving families, it might also increase competition for low-cost direct cremation services.
Legislation introduced by Sen. Peter Welch and co-sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders would increase the Social Security lump-sum death benefit to $2,900. The bill, S. 5178, would index the benefit for inflation annually to cover modern burial costs.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act
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