Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act
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.
Legislative Progress
While the bill addresses a long-standing issue, it currently lacks bipartisan support and faces a difficult path in a divided Congress.
Key Points
- This bill would raise the one-time Social Security lump sum death payment from its current cap of $255 to $2,900, more than a tenfold increase. This payment goes to surviving spouses or children to help cover immediate costs after a loved one dies.
From policy text
“striking ``three times'' and all that follows through ``smaller,'' and inserting ``$2,900”
View in full text - Starting in 2026, the $2,900 payment would automatically grow each year based on inflation, using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. This ensures the benefit does not lose its value over time the way the old $255 amount did.
From policy text
“in the case of such an insured individual who dies in a calendar year after 2025, an amount equal to $2,900 increased by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers”
View in full text - The higher payment would apply retroactively to deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2025. If passed, some families who already received the $255 payment could be owed the difference.
From policy text
“The amendment made by this section shall take effect on January 1, 2025, and shall apply to lump sum death payments payable under section 202(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(i)) with respect to individuals who die on or after such date.”
View in full text - The current $255 cap has not been meaningfully updated in decades, leaving it far below the actual cost of funerals and final expenses in the modern era. The bill was introduced by Rep. Amo along with five Democratic cosponsors and referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Milestones
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.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
Bill back on the table to increase Social Security Lump-Sum Death Benefit
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.
New Bill Increases Social Security Death Benefit
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.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(5)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.