You do NOT need to be married in order to apply or to receive benefits.
You can be married, or divorced to be eligible, assuming you meet other criteria.
If you are able to work, you won't qualify for benefits until you are either declared PERMANENTLY or at your retirement age window.
I suggest you ask more detailed questions directly of social security.
Don't worry about what the death certificate says, divorced or married.
You won't need to bother changing the death certificate.
As the death has been reported, filing for benefits should be easier for you, in some respects.
That means nothing except for one who wanted the lousy $250 that social security gives to the heir of the deceased.
You'll probably need a copy of your marriage license and divorce certificate at some point.
SS will tell you.
Good luck.
You need to provide the funeral home with a copy of the deceased person's Social Security card or his/her social security number.
If you want the funeral home or crematory to make the report of death.
If you wish to report the person's death or apply for survivor's benefits, call 1-800-772-1213. You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 AM and 7 PM Monday through Friday.
You cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online.
This is the social security website where you will receive further explanations/directions.
Survivors Planner: How You Apply For Survivors Benefits