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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Barry K.
I’m looking for info on how to claim the burial benefit for my spouse, Joann King, who died in August 2018.
V.V.
Hi Barry, we are very sorry for your loss. The Lump-Sum Death benefit of $255 (a one-time payment) may be payable upon the death of a person who has worked long enough to be insured under Social Security. An application for the Lump-Sum death payment must be submitted within two years of the insured person’s death.
You can only apply for the Lump Sum Death Payment by scheduling a phone appointment or in-office visit. You can call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to speak with one of our representatives, who are available Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Lavonia P.
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nell
I stopped working some 27 years ago, so when I became 65 I drew my money out of social security. My husband is now 65 in June and applying for his social security. Now at 66 I have cancer took treatment and got neuropathy in hands, and feet. Also had a heart attack on 13th treatment of chemo. Told I could not take anymore treatment. Now cancer is gone but have a 5 percent chance of return and take heart medicine but I am still left with neuropathy. I cannot stand for a long period not sit for a long period. My daughter who has adhd and some autism is now 27 and still at home. Would I qualify for any social security at all. Please let me know what I can do?
R.F.
Hello Nell. To see if you qualify -on your husband’s record- for a higher (spouse) benefit than what you are currently receiving, you will need to contact your local office or you may call our toll free telephone number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and ask a representative to assist you.
If a person has reached his or her full retirement age (Currently 66) and is receiving Social Security retirement, they will not be eligible for disability benefits.
You may be eligible to receive additional assistance from the state where you live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office.
You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information.
We hope this information helps.
Dorcas S.
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otis d.
My Dad Antonio Davila died on 11/11/2018. i would like notify you of his death. I am checking make sure you stop his monthly social security check. I am his son Otis Davila
otis d.
MY FATHER PASSED AWAY TRYING TO GET INFORMATION ON WHAT TO DO?
V.V.
Otis, we are very sorry for your loss. 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.
Katharina S.
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Jazmine B.
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Ethel
All I need to do is report the death of my mother. There is no guidance for that. Plenty of info on how to get her benefits! Very frustrating to say the least. My nearest Social Security office is 66 miles away, and iwait time on the phone is ridiculous! I am under enough pressure right now I just don’t need anymore brick walls to hit!
K.O.
Hi Ethel. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Typically, funeral homes report deaths to the Social Security Administration directly. You can check with the funeral home to determine if reporting has been done. Hope this helps. Thanks.
suellen c.
My brother, Scott Fraser Coen, died on 10/27/18. The O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, CA is notifying you of his death. I am checking to make sure you stop his monthly social security checks. I am his sister, Suellen Ann Coen
R.F.
We are sorry for your loss, Suellen. 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 brother’s passing by calling 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you will experience 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 September, you must return the benefit paid in October. Thank you.
BILLY J.
I HAVE BEEN HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY SISTER THAT PASSED AWAY’S FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS AND WAS WANDERING HOW I COULD COLLECT THE 255.00 DEATH BENIFIT
R.F.
We are sorry for your loss, Billy. Unfortunately, the Lump Sum Death Payment is only payable to eligible family members. Generally, the widow or widower and minor children of the deceased. Thanks.
Etedal N.
My husband(Ali Nazif) bank account was stolen, had to close it and open a new one. This is the account where his SS benefit was deposited monthly. Since he suffered 2 stroke and lives in a nursing home, I tried calling SS office to get some answers as how to act on his behave, I waited one hour, had my husband talk to them giving all the numbers and addresses he was asked, yet they said one information didn’t match. It is very difficult to transport him or even have him talk, what are the requirement I need, please let me know asap as we need the money as his expenses are too high. Thank you, Etedal Nazif, wife
R.F.
Hello Etedal. Since it sounds like your husband needs help managing his Social Security benefits, you may be interested in applying to become his representative payee.
Please note that having a power of attorney, being an authorized representative, or having a joint bank account with the beneficiary, is not the same as being a payee. These arrangements do not give you legal authority to negotiate and manage payments for someone receiving Social Security or SSI payments. You must apply for and be appointed as a representative payee by SSA.
If approved to serve as your husband’s representative payee, it will make it easier for you in the future to update account information for him. It would be helpful to obtain a statement from his doctor. The statement should say that your husband is not able -mentally and physically- to take care of himself and that you are the person responsible to keep his finances in order. We understand how inconvenient this may be for you, but hope you understand our role in protecting everyone’s personal information.
A face-to-face interview is required to apply for representative payee status. If you have specific questions, or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. Or you can contact your local Social Security office.
Please read our publication: A Guide For Representative Payees for more on this important topic. Thanks!
LAURIE B.
Need to know if I am can receive benefits? My husband died October 11,2018
V.V.
Laurie, 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.
Rudy F.
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Patricia K.
My stepson Michael Kauffman passed away at 2:00 am this morning in West Virginia. His dad and I live in Pennsylvania. Michael was on disability, I need to know what I have to do to stop his checks. Thank you, Patricia Kauffman
A.C.
Hi, Patricia. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Typically, funeral homes report deaths to the Social Security Administration directly. You can check with the funeral home to determine if reporting has been done. Thanks.