How to Notify Social Security of a Death
When someone who received Social Security benefits dies, the Social Security Administration needs to be notified promptly. Payments made after the month of death must be returned. And surviving family members may be eligible for benefits of their own — but those benefits are not automatic, and timing matters. Here is exactly how to handle it.
How to report the death
You can notify Social Security in two ways:
- Call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- Visit your local Social Security office in person
You cannot report a death online. However, in many cases the funeral home will report the death to Social Security on your behalf — ask them directly whether this is part of their services. Most do. If they handle it, you generally do not need to call separately.
Notify Social Security as soon as possible — ideally within the first week or two. If the deceased received direct deposit payments, also notify the bank so any post-death payments can be returned quickly.
What to have ready when you call
- The deceased person's Social Security number
- Date of death
- Your name and Social Security number (if you're a family member or survivor)
- The deceased person's birth certificate (may be requested)
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Bank account and routing number if benefits were paid by direct deposit
- Marriage certificate (if applying for survivor benefits as a spouse)
What happens to Social Security payments after death
Social Security benefits are paid one month in arrears — the August payment covers July. If the person died in July, the August payment covers a month the person was alive and is valid. However, any payment for August (covering July) that arrives in August is fine to keep if the person was alive through all of July. Any payment for September onward must be returned.
Do not cash or spend any Social Security payment received after the month of death. If payment was by direct deposit, the SSA will reclaim the funds automatically. If a paper check arrived, do not cash it — return it to the Social Security office or bank.
Spending Social Security payments received after the month of death can create legal complications. The SSA will seek repayment, and it is easier to address this before the funds are spent.
Survivor benefits you may be eligible for
Surviving spouse
A surviving spouse may be eligible to receive the deceased spouse's Social Security benefit if it is higher than their own. Survivor benefits can begin as early as age 60 (reduced amount) or at your full retirement age (full amount). Disabled surviving spouses can apply as early as age 50. A surviving spouse caring for a child under 16 or disabled may qualify regardless of age.
The benefit amount depends on how much the deceased earned over their lifetime and when you begin claiming. If your own Social Security benefit is larger than the survivor benefit, you will simply continue on your own benefit.
Surviving children
Unmarried children under 18 (or up to age 19 if still in high school full-time) may receive up to 75% of the deceased parent's benefit. Disabled children over 18 may also qualify if the disability began before age 22.
Dependent parents
Parents aged 62 or older who were financially dependent on the deceased — meaning they relied on the deceased for at least half of their financial support — may also be eligible for survivor benefits. This is less common but worth checking.
One-time death benefit
A one-time lump sum payment of $255 is available to the surviving spouse if they were living with the deceased or receiving Social Security benefits on the deceased's record. If there is no eligible spouse, eligible children may receive this payment. It requires a separate application and does not happen automatically.
How to apply for survivor benefits
Survivor benefits are not automatic — you must apply. You can apply by:
- Calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
- Visiting your local Social Security office
- Applying online at ssa.gov (available for some benefit types)
Apply as soon as possible. Benefits generally cannot be paid retroactively for more than 12 months, and some benefits are only available from the month you apply — not backdated to the date of death.
For the appointment, bring the death certificate, your marriage certificate (if applying as a spouse), and the deceased's Social Security number. A Social Security representative will walk you through the specific forms required for your situation.
Other agencies to notify
Social Security is one of several agencies that need to be notified after a death. Others that often apply:
- Medicare — if the deceased was enrolled; coverage for dependents may also be affected
- Department of Veterans Affairs — if the deceased was a veteran, you may be eligible for burial benefits, survivor pensions, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- The deceased's employer — to claim any death benefits, group life insurance, final paycheck, and pension survivor options
- Pension administrators — most pensions have a survivor benefit option that must be applied for within a set period
- The IRS — a final federal income tax return (Form 1040) must be filed for the year of death
- State agencies — if the deceased received Medicaid, state disability, or other state benefits
VA burial benefits are available to many veterans regardless of whether they served in combat. If the deceased was a veteran, contact the VA promptly — some burial benefits have time limits for claims.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly do I need to notify Social Security after someone dies?
As soon as possible — ideally within the first week or two. If the deceased received direct deposit payments, notify the bank as well so any post-death payments can be returned promptly. Delays in notification can result in more payments that need to be returned.
Can I report a death to Social Security online?
No. Social Security requires you to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office to report a death. However, funeral homes typically do this on behalf of families — ask yours if this is part of their service. If the funeral home handles it, you generally do not need to call separately.
What if I accidentally cashed a Social Security check after the person died?
Contact Social Security immediately at 1-800-772-1213. Payments received after the month of death must be returned. The SSA will work with you to arrange repayment — the sooner you address it, the easier the resolution.
Does a surviving spouse automatically get the deceased spouse's Social Security?
No — survivor benefits are not automatic. You must apply for them by calling Social Security or visiting a local office. If your spouse's benefit was higher than yours, Social Security will adjust your payment to the higher amount once you apply and are approved.
When should a surviving spouse apply for survivor benefits?
Apply as soon as you decide to claim, since some benefits can only be paid from the month you apply — not backdated. You can apply immediately after the death. A Social Security representative can help you compare taking survivor benefits now versus waiting, and whether to take your own benefit first.
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