Social Security Benefits
When someone dies, Social Security needs to be told, and some family members may be eligible for benefits. Here is what to know.
Reporting the death
In most cases, we report the death to the Social Security Administration for you when we file the death certificate. Give us the person's Social Security number when you make arrangements.
Any payment received for the month of death or later usually has to be returned.
Reporting the death
In most cases, we report the death to the Social Security Administration for you when we file the death certificate. Give us the person's Social Security number when you make arrangements.
Any payment received for the month of death or later usually has to be returned.
The lump-sum death payment
A one-time payment of $255 may be paid to a surviving spouse who lived with the person, or to an eligible child.
It must be applied for within two years of the death.
Survivors benefits
Widows, widowers, dependent children, and sometimes dependent parents may receive monthly survivors benefits.
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov to find out what your family may be eligible for.
