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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Howell B.
when do social security benefits stop when a beneficiary dies?
Avraham g.
Hello social security , I’m sure Levins funeral house from Brookline ma sent you a letter notifying you about the death of my wife Naama Goldin on 9.11.2018
So you stop paying her social security every month.
As well they told me to contact you and ask for one time payment of $255 for me as her spouse for the last 41 years.
Please send a check to the same account you sent her the regular monthly payment in BOA
Please let me know if you need more informations
Thanks a lot
Avraham Goldin
Kaylene C.
My question is there was 400.00 stolen from me this month, I need to know if I can get 225.00 from my Nov. Check so I can pay my rent for this month?
Nancy W.
Can I report my sisters death, who is single with no beneficiary on line or do I have to call SSA. If I report on line how is it done. She her benefits on 9/19 and passed away on 9/30. Do I need to send this money back.
Vonda V.
Nancy, we are very sorry for your loss. You cannot report a death online. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by contacting the local Social Security office. To verify this information was reported, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or you can contact your local Social Security office directly.
Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. Based on your sister’s date of death, she was due the payment.
Renee C.
as an executor of an estate, how do I return a payment made via direct deposit for the same month as the person died?
Ray F.
Thank you for contacting us, Renee. If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, we ask that you return the benefit received for the month of death or any later months. However, keep in mind that Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. For example, if the person dies during the month of August, you must return the benefit paid in September.
For further assistance, you can speak to one of our agents. 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 when you call later during the day or later in the week. Or contact the local Social Security office.
Angela a.
I am very upset that my survivor benefits are going to stop when my son turns 16. I called the S S office and they said well that’s just how it is. Why should I have to fight for this benefit when I am in need of help. I didn’t ask to be put in this situation. Before my husband passed. He couldn’t even get disability like others that have been on it for years. The day he passed I get a letter in the mail he was approved. Anyway. At one time I made enough money to support my family then my husband lost his job he got sick, then I lost my job then he passed. Now I need these benefits that I’m receiving to give my son a somewhat normal life. He will be driving soon and since the money I received for him has to go for bills,food,clothes as the lady as SS office I have no money saved for him which I think is ridiculous I need this money for another car payment, additional insurance, etc. and to keep our home,electric on,water to survive, as your website says it has help 5 million people keep them out of poverty. I need this help and shouldn’t have to beg for it.
Marna P.
I enjoy your take on this topic and look forward to additional posts and comments here at blog.ssa.gov. Keep up the good work!
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Jamie d.
Trying to check a status on a check
Ray F.
Hello Jamie. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please continue working with your local office. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can 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 in the week. Thanks!
Jamie d.
I’m trying to chexk the status on a check
Sharron V.
I completely agree with your opinion on this topic and look forward to additional posts and comments here at blog.ssa.gov. Thanks!
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Jamie d.
I am tfyi8to check the status on a check that owe me and my 2 siblings feom my passing away june 8
Bruce E.
My mother has passed away on 18 Aug 2018; Will her last Soc Sec. payment end at the end of the month or do I have to pay back the amount she received for August? Please advise
Vonda V.
Bruce, we are very sorry for your loss. Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. Based on your mother’s date of death, she is due the payment received in August. 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 our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.