Social Security Benefits After a Death- Top 3 Time-Sensitive To-Dos!

We understand that losing a loved one is not only devastating emotionally but can also cause undue financial stress. The Social Security Administration (SSA) often provides Social Security (SS) benefits for spouses, children, and other survivors based on earnings.

The following 3 tasks are time sensitive actions that include details about how to notify the SSA and apply for SS benefits to help alleviate some financial stress after the loss of a loved one.

1. Notify the SSA within 30 Days of Death:

   • The Social Security Administration (SSA) must be promptly notified of the death (within 30 days). The funeral home or hospice typically will report the death to the Social Security Administration’s master death index for you. Check to make sure this happens. If not, family members can report the death themselves by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Credit bureaus regularly update their files using this death index.
   • Time Saving Tip: the SSA will also notify Medicaid and Medicare bureaus, so you will not need to contact either department separately.

2. Return Social Security Checks/Cancel Your Loved One’s Benefits Immediately:

   • Note that any SS checks for the month in which the decedent died, or later months, will have to be returned or repaid. It does not matter on which day of the month he/she passed away.
     Examples:
     • Check Does NOT Need to Be Returned: Date of Death March 31st. SS check for the month of February was deposited on April 2nd. This check DOES NOT NEED to be returned.
     • Check Needs to be Returned: Date of Death March 31st. SS check for the month of March is deposited on April 2nd. This check NEEDS TO BE returned.
   • Since most SSA checks are directly deposited, you can request that the bank return the funds to the SSA. If the bank is unable to return the funds, it’s recommended that contact your local Social Security office  and return the check in person.
   • Time Saving Tip: Our packages offer over 120 forms, letters, and applications needed throughout the probate process. This includes auto-filled forms such as our Bank Notification Form, which can be used to cancel/return SS checks and a SS notification form, which can be used to return SS checks.

3. Apply for Lump Sum Death Payment & Social Security Benefits within Two Years:

• • Key Benefits:

    • Lump Sum Death Payment: Social Security’s Lump Sum Death Payment (LSDP) is federally funded and managed by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). A surviving spouse or child may receive a special lump-sum death payment of $255 if they meet certain requirements.
    • Widow/Widower Insurance Benefit: When a Social Security beneficiary dies, certain members of his/her family may be eligible for survivors benefits. These include widows, widowers (and divorced widows and widowers), children and dependent parents. If you were already receiving spousal benefits on the deceased’s work record, Social Security will in most cases switch you automatically to survivor benefits when the death is reported.

  • Check for Eligibility:

    • Read through SSA’s lump sum payment eligibility requirements here and survivor’s benefits here
    • Time Saving Tip:
      • Take Our quick Probate Case Assessment that includes an assessment of eligibility for Social Security and Veteran’s Benefits. Learn more here

• • How to Apply:

    • Applications- (Phone, Mail, or In-Person):

      • To apply, complete Form SSA-10 (Insurance Benefits & lump sum death payment). If you wish to ONLY apply for the lump sum death payment, complete Form SSA-8 (Lump Sum Death Payment) . You can complete your application over the phone by calling the SSA’s national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by bringing your completed form to your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.

    • Supporting Documentation Required:

      1. Proof of the worker’s death;
      2. Birth certificate or other proof of birth;
      3. Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States;
      4. U.S. military discharge paper(s) if you had military service before 1968;
      5. For disability benefits, the two forms (SSA-3368 and SSA-827) that describe your medical condition and authorize disclosure of information to the SSA;
      6. W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for last year;
      7. Marriage certificate
      8. You also should bring along your checkbook or other papers that show your account number at a bank, credit union or other financial institution so you can sign up for Direct Deposit

• • • • Note: copies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns or medical documents will be accepted, but you must bring the ORIGINALS of most other documents, such as your birth certificate. (The SSA will return them to you.)