Social Security After a Death
When a loved one passes away, there are important steps to take regarding their Social Security benefits. From reporting the death to filing for survivor benefits, this guide explains what you need to know, what documents you will need, and the timeline for each step.
How to Report a Death to Social Security
A death must be reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA) as soon as possible. In most cases, the funeral home will report the death on your behalf if you provide them with the deceased's Social Security number. However, it is a good idea to confirm this with the funeral director.
If you need to report the death yourself, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Deaths cannot be reported online — you must call or visit your local Social Security office in person.
Important: Any Social Security benefits paid for the month of death or after must be returned. For example, if the person passed away in March, any payment received for March must be returned. Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due, so a payment received in April would be for March and would need to be returned. If payments are made by direct deposit, contact the bank to have them returned.
Lump-Sum Death Payment
Social Security provides a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 to eligible survivors. This payment can be made to:
- •A surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death, or
- •A surviving spouse who was eligible for Social Security benefits on the deceased's record in the month of death, or
- •A child who was eligible for benefits on the deceased's record in the month of death (if there is no eligible surviving spouse)
The application for the lump-sum death payment must be filed within two years of the date of death. You can apply by calling the SSA or visiting your local office.
Survivor Benefits
Certain family members may be eligible for ongoing monthly survivor benefits based on the deceased's Social Security earnings record. The amount depends on how much the deceased paid into Social Security over their working life.
Who May Be Eligible
Surviving spouse (age 60 or older)
A widow or widower can receive reduced benefits starting at age 60, or full benefits at their full retirement age. If the surviving spouse is disabled, benefits can begin as early as age 50.
Surviving spouse at any age (caring for a child)
A surviving spouse of any age who is caring for the deceased's child under age 16 (or a disabled child) can receive benefits.
Unmarried children
Children under age 18 (or up to age 19 if still in high school full-time) can receive survivor benefits. Disabled children may receive benefits at any age if the disability began before age 22.
Dependent parents (age 62 or older)
Parents who were financially dependent on the deceased may qualify for benefits if they are 62 or older.
Divorced spouse
A divorced spouse may be eligible for survivor benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, the divorced spouse is at least 60 years old (or 50 if disabled), and is currently unmarried (or remarried after age 60).
Benefit Amounts
Surviving spouse at full retirement age: 100% of the deceased's benefit amount
Surviving spouse at age 60: 71.5% to 99% of the deceased's benefit amount
Surviving spouse with child under 16: 75% of the deceased's benefit amount
Each eligible child: 75% of the deceased's benefit amount
Dependent parent (one surviving): 82.5% of the deceased's benefit amount
Note: There is a family maximum that limits the total amount that can be paid on one worker's record, typically between 150% and 180% of the deceased's benefit.
Documents You Will Need
When you contact Social Security to report a death or apply for benefits, have the following documents ready:
- •Proof of death — a certified death certificate or a statement from the funeral home
- •The deceased's Social Security number
- •Your Social Security number (as the applicant)
- •Your birth certificate
- •Your marriage certificate (if applying as a surviving spouse)
- •Divorce decree (if applying as a divorced spouse)
- •Dependent children's Social Security numbers and birth certificates
- •The deceased's most recent W-2 or self-employment tax return
- •Your bank account information for direct deposit
Social Security requires original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. They will return any documents you submit.
Timeline & Key Deadlines
Immediately
Report the death to Social Security
Contact SSA or confirm the funeral home has reported it. Stop any direct deposit or check payments to avoid overpayment issues.
Within 2 years
Apply for lump-sum death payment
File your application for the $255 lump-sum death payment. This deadline is firm and cannot be extended.
As soon as possible
Apply for survivor benefits
While there is no strict deadline for most survivor benefits, applying promptly ensures you do not miss any months of payments. Benefits are generally retroactive for up to six months from the date of application, but not earlier.
Each January
Watch for changes in benefit amounts
Social Security benefits may receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) each year. You will receive a notice from the SSA if your benefit amount changes.
Navigating Social Security after a death can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. Your local Social Security office can walk you through the process in person, and many funeral homes are experienced in helping families with these steps. For a broader checklist of what to do after a loss, see our step-by-step guide.
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