How to Notify Social Security of a Death

The Funeral Home Usually Handles It

In most cases, the funeral home reports the death to the Social Security Administration as part of their standard services. They submit the information electronically, and SSA processes it within a few days.

But "usually" isn't "always." If the funeral home doesn't report it — or if there's a delay — Social Security benefits may keep depositing. SSA can recover payments that were not due. Because retirement and survivor benefits are paid for a prior month, a deposit received after death may still cover a month before the death.

Confirm with the funeral director that they've submitted the notification. If they haven't, or if you're handling arrangements without a funeral home, you need to contact SSA directly.

How to Report a Death to SSA

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). The line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time.

You cannot report a death online. SSA requires a phone call or an in-person visit to your local Social Security office.

Have this information ready:

• The deceased's Social Security number
• The deceased's date of birth and date of death
• The deceased's place of death
• Your relationship to the deceased
• Whether the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits

What Happens to the Last Benefit Payment

Social Security benefits are paid in the month after the month they cover, and no retirement or survivor benefit is due for the month of death. If someone dies in September, the payment made in October for September must be returned.

If the payment was direct-deposited, the bank may return it after SSA is notified. If the money was withdrawn or spent, contact SSA promptly for instructions on resolving the overpayment; responsibility depends on the circumstances.

Do not assume a Social Security payment received after death is due to the estate or must be returned. Ask SSA and the financial institution to confirm which benefit month it covers and whether it must be repaid.

The Lump-Sum Death Payment

SSA may pay a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 to an eligible surviving spouse or, if there is no eligible spouse, certain children. A spouse who did not live with the deceased may still qualify if eligible for benefits on the deceased's record.

It's not much, but it's yours to claim. Apply within two years of the date of death by calling SSA or visiting your local office.

Survivor Benefits

The deceased's Social Security record may entitle family members to ongoing monthly benefits:

• Surviving spouse age 60 or older (50 if disabled) — receives a percentage of the deceased's benefit amount
• Surviving spouse of any age caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child
• Unmarried children under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school full-time)
• Dependent parents age 62 or older

The amount depends on the deceased's earnings record and the survivor's age at the time they begin receiving benefits. At full retirement age, the surviving spouse receives 100% of the deceased's benefit amount.

Apply for survivor benefits by calling SSA or visiting a local office. You'll need the deceased's Social Security number, your marriage certificate (for spousal benefits), birth certificates for any eligible children, and the death certificate.

Don't Forget Medicare

If the deceased was enrolled in Medicare, report the death to SSA; in most cases the funeral home can do this. Medicare directs families to call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). If the deceased was enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plan, contact the plan directly about enrollment and billing.

The Executor's Complete Handbook includes a government notifications checklist that covers Social Security, Medicare, the VA, and other federal and state agencies — every notification mapped to a specific timeline so nothing falls through.