Social Security and Survivor Benefits

Social Security and Survivor Benefits

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.

Reporting the Death

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.

The One-Time Death Payment

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.

Ongoing Survivor Benefits

Separate from the one-time payment, monthly survivor benefits may be available to:

  • A widow or widower age 60 or older, or age 50 or older if disabled
  • A surviving spouse at any age caring for the deceased’s child under 16, or a child with a disability
  • An unmarried child under 18, or 18 to 19 if a full-time secondary student
  • A child 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22
  • Parents age 62 or older who depended on the deceased for at least half their support
  • A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances

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.

What You’ll Need

  • The deceased’s Social Security number and a certified death certificate
  • Birth certificates and Social Security numbers for any children claiming
  • A marriage certificate, or a divorce decree if claiming as a divorced spouse
  • The deceased’s most recent W-2 or self-employment tax return
  • Bank account information for direct deposit

Other Notifications to Make

  • Medicare, typically handled automatically once SSA is notified
  • The deceased’s employer or pension administrator
  • Life insurance carriers, banks, and credit unions
  • The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  • Credit reporting agencies
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs, if applicable. See Veterans Burial Benefits.

Common Questions

Do I need to report the death if the funeral home is handling it?

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.

What happens to the payment for the month of death?

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.

Can I receive both my own retirement benefit and a survivor benefit?

Not both in full. Generally you receive the higher of the two. There may be strategy in the order and timing of claims.

Are survivor benefits taxable?

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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