The Next Checklist

How To Notify Social Security of a Death

Introduction

Reporting a death to Social Security is one of the first calls to make, because benefit payments must stop and survivors may be entitled to benefits of their own. It is usually quick, and in many cases the funeral home starts it for you.

This is general information, not benefits or legal advice. Confirm the details for your situation with the Social Security Administration.

Start here

10 Minute Version

  • Ask the funeral home whether it will report the death to Social Security. Many do if you give them the Social Security number.
  • If no funeral home is involved, or you are unsure, contact Social Security yourself.
  • You cannot report a death or apply for survivor benefits online — call Social Security or visit a local office.
  • Do not spend the payment for the month of death until you confirm whether it must be returned; benefits are generally not payable for the month a person dies.
  • Ask separately about the one-time death payment and ongoing survivor benefits — reporting the death does not automatically start them.

How to report the death

  • If a funeral home is handling arrangements, give them the deceased person's Social Security number and confirm they will make the report.
  • Otherwise, call Social Security or visit a local office to report the death.
  • Have the person's Social Security number and date of death ready.
  • Reporting the death to Social Security is separate from reporting it to Medicare, though Social Security usually shares the information.

Payments and why timing matters

  • Social Security benefits are generally not payable for the month in which a person dies, even if they died late in the month.
  • If a payment for the month of death arrives, it usually must be returned; do not spend it until you confirm.
  • If benefits were direct-deposited, the bank may be instructed to return the funds — do not close the account too quickly.
  • There is a one-time lump-sum death payment that may be available to an eligible surviving spouse or child; ask about it specifically.

Survivor benefits

  • A surviving spouse, dependent children, or in some cases dependent parents may qualify for monthly survivor benefits.
  • Survivor benefits are not automatic — you generally must apply, and you cannot do it online.
  • Ask how the timing of an application affects the benefit, especially for a surviving spouse.
  • Bring the death certificate, Social Security numbers, marriage or birth certificates, and recent tax or income information.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming reporting the death also starts survivor benefits.
  • Spending the month-of-death payment before confirming it can be kept.
  • Closing the direct-deposit bank account before payments are reconciled.
  • Missing the one-time death payment because no one asked about it.
  • Waiting too long to ask about survivor benefits.

Last Reviewed

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

This page is reviewed periodically. Benefit rules and procedures may change.

Sources And Further Help