How to Notify Social Security Administration

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM local time. When the representative answers, say: "I need to report the death of [name], Social Security number [number], who passed away on [date]." The funeral home usually reports the death to Social Security as part of the death certificate filing process, but you should verify this was done and should call regardless to discuss survivor benefits.

Social Security benefits stop the month of death. The deceased is not entitled to a payment for the month in which they died. If a payment for that month was already deposited by direct deposit, Social Security will reclaim it from the bank account. If the payment was by check and has not been cashed, return it. A one-time lump-sum death benefit of $255 is available to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased, or to a child eligible for benefits. This must be applied for within 2 years of the death.

Survivor benefits are the most valuable part of this process and are not automatic — you must apply. Surviving spouses can receive up to 100 percent of the deceased's monthly benefit amount if they wait until full retirement age, or a reduced amount starting at age 60 (age 50 if disabled). Surviving spouses caring for a child under 16 receive 75 percent regardless of age. Children under 18 (or 19 if in high school, or any age if disabled before age 22) receive 75 percent each, subject to a family maximum. You can apply at your local Social Security office or by phone. Bring the death certificate, your Social Security number, marriage certificate (for spouses), and children's birth certificates. Benefits begin the month you apply, not the month of death, so apply as quickly as possible to avoid losing months of payments.