My son's father died in March 2002. We weren't notified until July 2003. I applied for survivor's benefits for my son in August and at the time was told it would take about 5 months to process the application. -Does it really take a full 5 months? -Will the first payment cover the 5 month wait period retroactively in a lump sum? -Are applicants ever credited for the period between death and application for benefits (his father was missing)?

YES.... U DO GET $ FROM DATE YOU APPLY. ITS CALLED BACK PAY. IF U GET DENIED HIRE A LAWYER BECAUSE THEY WONT EVEN TAKE YOUR CASE UNLESS THEY KNOW U WILL WIN! GOOD LUCK