When someone dies, the Social Security Administration must be notified quickly — and surviving family members may be entitled to ongoing monthly benefits they don't know about. Here is exactly what to do and how to claim every benefit you are owed.
Step 1: Notify the Social Security Administration
The SSA must be notified of a death promptly. In most cases, the funeral home handles this automatically when they report the death to your state's vital records office. Confirm with the funeral home that they will do this — it is standard practice but worth verifying.
If the funeral home does not notify the SSA, call 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. You will need:
- The deceased's Social Security number
- Proof of death (the funeral home can provide this)
Critical: Any Social Security payment received for the month of death or any later month must be returned to the SSA. Payments are not prorated — if the person died on June 15, the June payment (received in July) must be returned in full. Return it immediately by contacting the SSA or the financial institution that received the deposit.
Benefit 1: The Lump-Sum Death Payment ($255)
A surviving spouse who was living with the deceased, or a dependent child, may receive a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255. Despite its name, this amount has not been adjusted since 1954 and does not come close to covering funeral costs — it is a minor benefit, not a meaningful financial resource.
To claim it, apply by calling the SSA or visiting a local office within two years of the death. It is not paid automatically.
Benefit 2: Survivor Benefits for Spouses
This is the most significant financial benefit available through the SSA after a death. A surviving spouse may be eligible for ongoing monthly survivor benefits based on the deceased's earnings record.
| Situation | Benefit amount | Earliest age to claim |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse at full retirement age (FRA) | 100% of deceased's benefit | Full retirement age (66–67) |
| Surviving spouse claiming early | 71.5%–99% (reduced) | Age 60 |
| Surviving spouse who is disabled | 71.5% of deceased's benefit | Age 50 |
| Surviving spouse caring for deceased's child under 16 or disabled | 75% of deceased's benefit | Any age |
Divorced spouses may also qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and they are currently unmarried (or remarried after age 60).
When to claim survivor benefits
This is a strategic decision. Claiming early reduces your monthly benefit permanently. If you have your own Social Security benefit, you can claim the survivor benefit first and switch to your own benefit later (or vice versa) — whichever is higher. The SSA cannot advise you on strategy; consider consulting a financial planner who specializes in Social Security claiming.
Benefit 3: Survivor Benefits for Children
Dependent children of the deceased may be eligible for survivor benefits:
- Unmarried children under 18 (or under 19 if a full-time student in high school)
- Unmarried children of any age who were disabled before age 22
- Each eligible child receives approximately 75% of the deceased's benefit amount
There is a family maximum — typically 150–180% of the deceased's benefit — so if multiple family members claim simultaneously, each benefit may be proportionally reduced.
Benefit 4: Survivor Benefits for Dependent Parents
If you were financially dependent on the deceased and are age 62 or older, you may qualify for survivor benefits as a parent. This is less common but applies if the deceased was financially supporting you. Each eligible parent receives 82.5% of the deceased's benefit (75% if both parents are eligible).
How to Apply for Survivor Benefits
You cannot apply for survivor benefits online. You must either:
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule a phone or in-person appointment
- Visit your local Social Security office in person
Apply as soon as possible — some benefits are not retroactive, and delays can mean missed payments. Bring:
- Proof of the deceased's death (death certificate)
- Your Social Security number and the deceased's
- Your birth certificate
- Proof of marriage (if claiming as a surviving spouse) — marriage certificate
- Divorce decree (if claiming as a divorced surviving spouse)
- Dependent children's birth certificates (if claiming on behalf of children)
- Most recent W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for both you and the deceased
- Bank account information for direct deposit
Medicare After a Death
If the deceased was enrolled in Medicare, notify Medicare separately (call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact the SSA — they share systems). Any Medicare Advantage or Part D plan should also be notified. Return any Medicare equipment (wheelchairs, oxygen equipment) if it was provided through a supplier — failure to return can result in charges.
If the surviving spouse was on the deceased's Medicare coverage, they will need to obtain their own Medicare coverage. Contact Medicare to discuss your options.
Planning Ahead: What Veterans Should Know
Veterans may also be eligible for separate VA burial benefits in addition to Social Security survivor benefits — including free burial in a national cemetery, a burial allowance, military funeral honors, and a government headstone. See our full guide on VA funeral and burial benefits for veterans.