What Happens to Social Security When Someone Dies?

The Short Answer

After a death, Social Security needs a report, the payment record may need review, and eligible survivors may apply for their own benefits. The program and payment month determine which amounts were due. SSA can explain these benefit questions. Our probate guide covers the separate estate process, and the first-steps guide covers the wider sequence after a death.

Who Notifies Social Security

The funeral home usually reports the death. If it did not, SSA provides a telephone reporting contact. To discuss survivor benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 or contact a local Social Security office. See SSA’s death-reporting instructions and its survivor application preparation page.

Missing documents do not have to delay filing a claim; SSA says it can help you get them. If SSA requests a death record, our death certificate guide explains where to find ordering information.

The Last Payment

The benefit type and the month a payment covers matter. Social Security retirement and disability benefits are paid for the prior month, and no benefit is due for the month of death. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follows a different rule: a payment for the month of death can be due, while payments for later months must be returned. SSA explains the distinction in its guide for representative payees.

SSA and the bank can identify which deposit is affected. Amounts that were due before death are a separate question. SSA’s Form SSA-1724 information explains how it decides who receives an unpaid amount.

The $255 Death Payment

Social Security pays a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255. It goes to a surviving spouse who was living with the person who died, or, if there is no such spouse, to a spouse or child who already qualifies for benefits on the deceased’s record. You generally have to apply within two years of the death, which is another reason to contact Social Security promptly rather than assuming it is automatic.

Survivor Benefits

A surviving spouse who is already receiving benefits may be able to switch to the higher survivor amount. Because the timing of when you claim can change the benefit for life, a survivor often reviews the options with Social Security or a financial advisor before deciding.

Preparing a Survivor-Benefits Claim

SSA may ask for proof of death, birth and marriage, along with other records that depend on the claim. Its preparation page explains the documents it may request. SSA accepts photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns and medical documents, but requires originals of most other documents. Missing papers do not have to delay filing; SSA says it can help you get them.

The surviving-spouse household worksheet gives you a place to keep bill, income and contact questions. Keep private identifiers off the worksheet and provide requested details through SSA’s official channels.