Kim, Your step-sister didn't qualify for the one time death benefit. I believe it goes to the spouse only.
Obtaining the death benefit (at least now) has nothing to do with the SSDI. Both of my grandparents (d. 1992) are listed and I think only one had the benefit paid. Both deaths were reported to Social Security. I think it's probably required by law to report the death, because I'm pretty sure it's illegal to try to cash the deceased's SS check. So I think that people now appear in the SSDI when their death is reported to the SSA. Cheri Mello Listowner, Azores-Gen Researching: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada -- To unsubscribe from this group, send email to azores+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership."
