When Tragedy Occurs, Your Family Can Count on Us
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 6, 2023
Tragedy strikes without warning. For families who lose a wage earner, it can have a devastating financial impact in addition to the emotional one.
Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin says that Social Security touches the lives of every American, often in times of tragedy and uncertainty. It’s true. Our programs go beyond retirement and disability benefits. Social Security helps care for the surviving families of deceased entitled workers.
If you work, some of the Social Security taxes you pay now go toward survivors benefits for workers and their families. In the event of your death, certain family members — widows, widowers (including your divorced spouse), children and dependent parents — may be eligible for survivors benefits. Social Security’s survivors benefits may be more valuable than your individual life insurance.
The benefit amount your family is eligible for depends on your average lifetime earnings. The more you earned, the more their benefits will be. Check your Social Security Statement to see an estimate of survivors benefits we could pay. You can create a secure my Social Security account to access your Statement anytime and see an estimate of these benefits. With a my Social Security account, you can also see an estimate of your retirement and disability benefits, and ot her important information. You can also visit our Benefits Planner to help you better understand your and your family’s, Social Security protection as you plan for your financial future.
In certain circumstances, we also make a one-time payment of $255 to your spouse or child if you’ve worked long enough. Survivors must apply for this payment within two years of the date of death.
For more information about how Social Security’s survivors benefits can help your surviving dependents, please read Survivors Benefits or visit our website. No one likes to think about death, but, unfortunately, it’s inevitable. When it happens, know that you can count on Social Security to be there for your loved ones.
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Tags: my Social Security, survivors benefits
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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linda s.
I am wondering why I couldn’t get help for what the first step is after my husband died last week.
Monte L.
My dad pasted away on 1-28-2017. I don’t believe that he received his Jan. benefit. I was wondering if you could look into this?
His name was Kasimer R Schmalz
his SS# was *** – ** – ***
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Monte Schmalz
Ray F.
We are sorry to hear of your loss, Monte. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. One of our representatives should be able to assist you. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
Keep in mind that Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. To be eligible for a Social Security benefit payment, a person has to live throughout the entire month. If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death or any later months. For example, if the person dies in January, you must return the benefit paid in February.
Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels. Thank you.
Arlea N.
What do I do when SS states my dead sons card number is wrong, when he used it all the time ? He was disabled .
Ray F.
Hello Arlea. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with guidance in regards to this situation.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Marcelina T.
6/11/2019 blog.ssa.gov does it yet again! Very thoughtful site and a thought-provoking post. Thanks!
http://swish.st/86311
Victoria M.
procedure to follow hen a person dies
procedure to follow when a person passes
Ray F.
Thank you for your question. You should contact Social Security and report an individual’s death as soon as possible. In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death to Social Security. If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death and any later months.
For example, if the person died in May, you must return the benefits paid in June. If benefits were paid by direct deposit, contact the bank or other financial institution. Request that any funds received for the month of death or later be returned to Social Security.
You cannot report a death or apply for survivors’ benefits online.
If you need to report a death, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
See our Benefits Planner: Survivors for more information. Thanks!
Cookie (.
I’m just trying to report somebody death that is collecting benefits
Karen R.
I have called social security we were married 36 years when my husband died! I am 58 and was told to bad we are sorry your husband was the provider now you will have to work! Totally devastated I do work yet had to quit work to be my husbands caretaker and there is no help for a wife taking care of her husband! I want to keep my home is there any way I can claim bankruptcy and receive section 8 on my own home until I receive his benefits! I am desperate for help my husband worked hard paid slot into social security and I will only receive half which is fine yet I feel being with my husband for 39 years married 37 years I should receive some help to make it work for a year and a half! Please help me know what to do I am gonna try to get another job! I have health issues and if my doctor would help me file for disability which I really don’t want to do because I love my job and will work till I can no longer do it! I feel after 35 years of Matt a widow should have some help! This makes me a little mad because my dad married a twenty five year old and she had a baby to him stayed married for 10 years and tried to kill him and also a used him of abusing my 1/2 sister and she received my dads benefits because they had a child under 18! I have a child with my husband who is 35 so I have to suffer where is the fairness in this?
Richard F.
My spouse died several years ago and I lost her social security number.
Bambi D.
How do I apply for one time benefit of 255.00 for my husbands death to help pay funeral expenses.
Ray F.
A surviving spouse or child may receive a special lump-sum death payment of $255 if they meet certain requirements. See “Information You Need To Apply For Lump Sum Death Benefit-form“.
You cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. We should be notified as soon as possible when a person dies.
To see if you’re eligible for other Survivors Benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
You can also contact 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 speak to someone. Thanks.
Bambi D.
My husband of 3 years just passed away he was 58 and I will be 62 i do work but his income was needed. Can i draw social security from him now.
Ray F.
We are very sorry for your loss, Bambi. If you are the widow of a person who worked long enough under Social Security, you can receive reduced benefits as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled). However, there are limits on how much survivors may earn while they receive benefits. See “Survivors Benefits” for more important information. Thanks!
Karen W.
Hello! My sister died in 2012, I in my two children lived with her she was the care taker.. she had no husband or family except us, could I apply for her social security..
She never used it..