How to Report a Death to Social Security

Most funeral directors report the death to the Social Security Administration as part of their standard service. But "most" is not "all," and the SSA does not send a confirmation to surviving family members either way. If the funeral home missed the report — or if benefits keep depositing after the death — the overpayment still has to be returned. Check with SSA or the bank if you see a deposit after the month of death.

What the Funeral Director Actually Does

When you provide the deceased's Social Security number during funeral arrangements, the funeral director submits the death report to the SSA. This is the most common pathway, and it typically works. The SSA does not send an automatic notification confirming it went through, so check whether benefits stop and contact SSA if payments continue.

Payments received for the month of death or later must be returned. For example, if someone dies in July, the direct deposit received in August must be returned. Contact SSA or the bank about the return process.

How to Report the Death Yourself

The SSA does not accept death reports online. You must call or visit in person.

By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213.

In person: Visit your local Social Security office. Bring the deceased's Social Security number, a certified death certificate, and your own identification. You can find office locations at ssa.gov/locator.

You will need:

• The deceased's full legal name and Social Security number
• Date of birth and date of death
• The deceased's last address
• Your relationship to the deceased

Stopping Benefits and Returning Overpayments

Payments received for the month of death or later must be returned. If a payment arrives after a death, contact SSA or the bank for instructions before spending or returning it.

Claiming the $255 Lump-Sum Death Payment

The SSA pays a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death, or to a spouse who was receiving benefits on the deceased's record. If there is no eligible spouse, a child who was receiving benefits on the deceased's record may claim it.

To apply, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. You will need Form SSA-8 (Application for Lump-Sum Death Payment). The application must be filed within two years of the death.

This payment is separate from survivor benefits. A surviving spouse may also be eligible for ongoing monthly survivor benefits, which can be substantially higher depending on the deceased's earnings record.

Medicare and Other Federal Benefits

Reporting the death to the SSA automatically updates Medicare records and stops premium deductions. You do not need to contact Medicare separately.

However, the SSA does not notify other federal agencies. Military retirees must be reported separately to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). Federal civil service retirees must be reported to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Veterans receiving VA benefits need a separate report to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

What Happens If You Don't Report

The SSA cross-references death records from state vital statistics offices and funeral directors, but processing delays can occur. Payments received for the month of death or later must be returned; contact SSA or the bank about the recovery process.

Keeping Track of Every Notification

Reporting the death to Social Security is one of dozens of agencies and institutions that need to be contacted in the weeks after a loss. The Notifying Everyone — Master Template Kit organizes every notification by deadline and urgency, with pre-written scripts and letter templates so you do not have to draft anything from scratch during the worst weeks of your life.