Social Security is usually one of the first agencies a family needs to notify after a death, and one of the few where acting quickly matters financially. Payments issued for the month of death or afterward generally must be returned, and survivor benefits are not paid automatically. They must be claimed.
In most cases, the funeral home reports the death to the Social Security Administration. The Gardens’ funeral director prepares the necessary Social Security paperwork during arrangements, and we will need the deceased’s Social Security number. If a funeral home is not involved or a report was not made, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office.
A lump-sum payment of $255 may be made to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased, or who was living apart but receiving certain benefits on the deceased’s record. If there is no surviving spouse, it may be paid to a child eligible for benefits on that record in the month of death.
This payment must be applied for, generally within two years of the date of death. It is worth handling early even though the amount is modest.
Separate from the one-time payment, monthly survivor benefits may be available to:
Amounts depend on the deceased’s earnings record and the survivor’s age and circumstances. When a surviving spouse claims can meaningfully change the lifetime amount received, so it is worth a conversation with SSA or a financial advisor.
Usually not. If The Gardens is handling the arrangements, ask us to confirm that the Social Security paperwork has been prepared before contacting SSA separately.
Social Security pays benefits one month behind, so the payment for any given month arrives the following month. The payment for the month of death, which usually arrives the month after, must be returned even if the person lived most of that month. Do not spend it. If it was direct-deposited, contact the bank.
Not both in full. Generally you receive the higher of the two. There may be strategy in the order and timing of claims.
They can be, depending on total household income. Consult a tax professional.
Official information: ssa.gov | 1-800-772-1213 | TTY 1-800-325-0778
Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in most U.S. time zones. The Gardens can explain the process and help with paperwork, but Social Security determines eligibility and benefit amounts. For tax, legal or financial advice, consult a qualified professional.
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