How to Notify Social Security of a Death

When someone dies, Social Security must be notified — and there are specific rules about benefits that may have already been paid that you need to know about right away. Here's a step-by-step guide to what happens and what you need to do.

Step 1: The Death Report

The funeral home usually handles this

When you work with a funeral home, the funeral director typically reports the death to the Social Security Administration as part of standard administrative processing. This happens quickly — often within days of the death. Ask the funeral home to confirm they have reported the death to SSA.

If you need to notify SSA directly

You cannot report a death online through the Social Security website. To notify SSA directly:

Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Have the deceased's Social Security number ready
Have a copy of the death certificate available

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person.

Step 2: Return the Payment for the Month of Death

This is critical and catches many families off guard: the Social Security benefit for the month of death must be returned.

Here's why: Social Security pays benefits one month in arrears. The payment received in July covers June. If someone died in June, the July payment must be returned — the entire payment — even if they were alive for most of June. SSA does not prorate benefits for the month of death.

Direct deposit payments

If benefits were received by direct deposit, SSA will typically reverse the transaction automatically after it is notified of the death. Do not spend this payment. If the funds have already been spent, you or the estate will owe SSA the amount and will need to repay it.

Paper check payments

Do not cash any paper check received for the month of death or any month after. Return it to SSA immediately. If you accidentally cashed it, contact SSA to arrange repayment.

Step 3: Notify SSA About Survivor Benefits

After reporting the death, ask SSA about survivor benefits you or other family members may be entitled to:

Surviving spouse

A surviving spouse may be entitled to receive survivor benefits based on the deceased's earnings record — potentially a significant benefit, especially if the deceased had higher earnings. Eligibility depends on age, whether you are caring for the deceased's child, and other factors. Full details on Social Security survivor benefits.

Dependent children

Minor children and disabled adult children who were dependents of the deceased may qualify for survivor benefits.

Dependent parents

In some circumstances, parents who were financially dependent on the deceased may qualify for benefits.

Step 4: The Lump-Sum Death Payment

Social Security pays a one-time death payment of $255 to an eligible surviving spouse or dependent child. This amount is small — it has not increased since 1954 — but it is available. Apply by contacting SSA directly; you must apply within 2 years of the death.

Step 5: Cancel or Transfer Other Government Benefits

If the deceased was receiving other government benefits, notify those agencies as well:

Medicare: SSA handles Medicare notifications when you report the death to SSA
Veterans benefits: Notify the VA at 1-800-827-1000
Medicaid/CHIP: Notify your state Medicaid office
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI stops at death; notify SSA
Federal employee retirement (OPM): Call 1-888-767-6738

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Who notifies Social Security when someone dies?

In most cases, the funeral home notifies Social Security of the death — this is standard practice and part of the funeral home's administrative process. The funeral director files a death report with the Social Security Administration using the Social Security number of the deceased. If the funeral home does not notify Social Security (or you're not working with a funeral home), you can notify Social Security directly by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. You cannot report a death online or via the Social Security website. You will need the deceased person's Social Security number. Death certificates are typically filed with your state's vital records office, which in many states also electronically reports deaths to Social Security — but it's best to confirm directly with SSA rather than assuming it was reported.

What happens to Social Security benefits after someone dies?

Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are earned — meaning the benefit for June is paid in July. When a recipient dies, their benefits stop. Critically: the payment for the month of death must be returned. If someone died in June, the June payment (received in July) must be returned — even if they were alive for the entire month of June. SSA will typically reclaim this payment automatically, but families should not spend the payment for the month of death. For payments made by direct deposit, SSA can (and will) reverse the transaction. For paper checks, any check received for the month of death must not be cashed — it should be returned to SSA. Benefits paid for any months after the month of death are also overpayments that must be returned.

What is the Social Security lump-sum death payment?

Social Security pays a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 to eligible survivors of deceased workers who had sufficient Social Security credits. Eligible recipients are: (1) a surviving spouse who was either living with the deceased at the time of death, or was receiving benefits on the deceased's record; (2) if there is no eligible surviving spouse, a dependent child who was receiving benefits on the deceased's record. The $255 payment is applied first toward any outstanding amounts owed to SSA. To apply, contact SSA within 2 years of the death. You'll need the deceased's Social Security number, the survivor's Social Security number, a certified copy of the death certificate, proof of marriage (for a spouse), and proof of the applicant's identity. Note: this $255 payment has not been updated since 1954 and does not cover even a fraction of funeral costs.