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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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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Reina s.
Question my mother passed on Sunday Aug 11th and she has sociall security and has so want to know who to call to let them know and what’s the next step I need to take.
So if some one can get back with me regarding this I would appreciate that
Thank you. Reina Sharkey
R.F.
We are very sorry to hear of your loss, Reina. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by sending the deceased person’s death certificate to the local Social Security office. However, you may report the death of your mom’s passing by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
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. Keep in mind that Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. For example, if the person dies in August, and if you -still- receive a payment in September, you must return it. Also, if she was receiving her payments via direct deposit, the bank will -usually- return the Social Security payments, once they are notified of the person’s death.
For more information, please read “How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies“. Thank you.
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Mary S.
I lost my husband and children 29 years ago never remarried or had a significant other. I will be turning 60 this month. I really could have used the boost as I have no family to fall back on. I have felt penalized for losing everyonr.
I hope there is nothing to stop my widow benefit. I hope it is expedited quickly.
Tony A.
What do I need to do when a family member passes and is collecting social security.
Natalie I.
My husband has died. How do I claim his ss payments in place of my own. What is the procedure, i.e., necessary documents, etc. Thank you.
V.V.
Natalie, we are very sorry for your loss. If you already receive benefits as a spouse, under your husband’s record, your benefit will automatically convert to widow’s benefits after we receive the report of death. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by contacting the local Social Security office.
If you are receiving retirement benefits on your own record, you can only apply for benefits as a widow if your retirement benefit amount is less than the benefits you would receive as a survivor.
You cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. If you need to report a death or apply for 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 visit 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.
Rodrick C.
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Patrice
can I collect my uncles social security if he has no wife or kids and I am his person representative?
R.F.
Hello Patrice. Only certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits from a worker’s Social Security record.
When you start receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, some members of your family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. Also, see our Benefits Planner for Survivors.
We hope this information helps!
Christine C.
My mother died on Sept. 12 2017. I was the executrix of her estate. I contacted Social Security to report her death and was advised she had her Aug. benefits still owed to her estate. I filled out form SSA-1724 and mailed it to the address given to me for our regional office. This was in Nov. 2017. I was told it would probably take several months after Jan. 2018. I have not heard anything and whenever I try to contact Social Security by phone I get hung up on with a message saying they’re busiest in the beginning of the month and early in the morning. Doesn’t matter that it’s the middle of the month in the afternoon. It’s sickening how the government wants it’s money immediately but when they owe you something, they’ll take forever. I also read an article in the Chicago Tribune Online about a woman who was in the same situation and never got her mother’s last payment.
R.F.
We are sorry to hear of your loss and apologize for any inconvenience, Christine. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation.
When calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you may experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
To submit your comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. Thanks.
margaret f.
if your spouse passes and your child has his last name ,and he signed the birth certificate but he is not his natural father,and he didn’t adopt ,can your child draw a social security check
R.F.
Hello Margaret. Please see our publication: “Benefits for Children” for information on this topic. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further 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!
Daren G.
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Larry
Does ss still pay family 255.00 towards burial expense??
R.F.
Hello Larry. A surviving spouse or child may receive a special lump-sum death payment of $255 if they meet certain requirements. If you need to report a death or apply for 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 visit 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!
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