The death benefit for Social Security is $255, I believe. As for your wife's benefits, if you were on social security benefits, you would get the greater benefit amount between you and your wife. If not, you get the death benefit. if you have children, they are eligible to receive Social Security benefits up to 16, I believe. This all depends on the number of quarters your wife had in the system, and if she had enough. With 38,000 in benefits contributions, I am sure she has enough. Contacting Social Security is an excellent idea, but be prepared, the reality is that you very well may not get he money she put in. Social Security does not function like an IRA or 401K in that way.
