What happens when you report a death to Social Security

When someone receiving Social Security dies, you report the death to Social Security, and the agency stops the person's benefit payments. If there are surviving family members — a spouse, children, or parents — they may be able to receive survivor benefits based on the person's Social Security record. These are separate payments, not a one-time lump sum, though Social Security does pay a small death benefit (currently $255) to help cover funeral costs if certain conditions are met.

The person who reports the death is usually a family member, but it can also be a funeral director, nursing home, or hospital. Social Security does not automatically know when someone dies unless you tell them. The sooner you report it, the sooner the agency can stop overpayments and process any survivor benefits that may be owed.

Key Takeaways

  • Report the death by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting a local Social Security office, or having a funeral director report it on your behalf.
  • Surviving spouses, children under 19 (or 23 if in school full-time), and parents age 62 or older may receive monthly survivor benefits based on the deceased person's earnings record.
  • You will need a death certificate, the person's Social Security number, and proof of your relationship to the deceased to claim survivor benefits.
  • Survivor benefits are not automatic — you must contact Social Security to start the process, even if the death has already been reported.

How to report the death to Social Security

You can report a death in three ways. The fastest is to call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Have the person's Social Security number ready. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address at ssa.gov/locator — or ask the funeral director to report the death when they file the death certificate with the state.

If a funeral director reports the death, Social Security will receive notice within a few days. However, the agency will not automatically contact surviving family members. You still need to reach out to Social Security yourself to claim survivor benefits. Reporting the death and claiming benefits are two separate steps.

Who can receive survivor benefits and how much

The amount each family member receives depends on the deceased person's Social Security earnings record and how many family members are may be able to access. Social Security calculates a family maximum — usually 150 to 180 percent of what the deceased person was receiving or would have received at full retirement age. The total paid to all family members combined cannot exceed this amount.

A surviving spouse can receive benefits at age 60 (or 50 if disabled), or at any age if caring for a child under 16. A surviving ex-spouse may also be may be able to access if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Children can receive benefits until age 18, or age 19 if still in high school full-time. A child age 18 or older who became disabled before age 22 can receive benefits for life. Parents age 62 or older may receive benefits if they were dependent on the deceased for at least half their income.

Documents you will need to claim survivor benefits

Have these documents ready before you contact Social Security. You will need an original or certified copy of the death certificate (not a photocopy unless it is certified by the state vital records office). You will also need the deceased person's Social Security number and birth date. Bring proof of your own identity — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and proof of your relationship to the deceased, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption papers.

If you are claiming as a surviving spouse or ex-spouse, bring your marriage certificate and, if applicable, divorce papers. If you are claiming as a parent, bring documents showing you were dependent on the deceased for at least half your income. If you are claiming for a child, bring the child's birth certificate and proof of school enrollment (if the child is 18 or 19). Social Security may ask for additional documents depending on your situation.

Where to claim survivor benefits

You can claim survivor benefits by phone, in person, or online. Call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative and start the process over the phone. They will ask questions about your relationship to the deceased and your own situation, then tell you what documents to send or bring in. You can also visit your local Social Security office with your documents — find the address at ssa.gov/locator — and file in person.

Online, you can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and look for the option to report a death or claim survivor benefits. However, not all situations can be handled entirely online, so you may still need to call or visit an office to complete the process. Starting online can save time because you can upload documents directly to your account.

What to expect after you claim

After you file, Social Security will review your claim and contact you if they need more information. The time it takes to process a claim varies — it can be a few weeks to a few months depending on how complete your process is and how busy the local office is. You can check the status of your claim by calling 1-800-772-1213 or logging into your my Social Security account.

Once approved, survivor benefits are usually paid monthly by direct deposit or check. The first payment may take several weeks to arrive. If the deceased person was receiving benefits when they died, Social Security will stop those payments and begin paying survivor benefits instead. If the deceased person had not yet claimed benefits, the agency will calculate what they would have received and base survivor benefits on that amount.

The $255 death benefit and how to claim it

Social Security pays a one-time $255 death benefit to help cover funeral expenses. To receive it, you must be a surviving spouse or child living in the same household as the deceased at the time of death, or a surviving spouse or parent who was receiving benefits on the deceased person's record. If no one meets these conditions, the benefit goes unpaid.

You do not need to claim the death benefit separately — it is paid automatically when you claim survivor benefits, or when Social Security processes the death report if you are may be able to access. If you think you should receive it but did not, contact Social Security to ask why. The benefit is small, but it can help with when ready funeral costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report the death myself, or can the funeral home do it?

The funeral director can report the death to Social Security when they file the death certificate with the state. However, you should still contact Social Security directly to claim survivor benefits, because reporting the death and claiming benefits are separate processes. The funeral home's report tells Social Security to stop the deceased person's payments, but it does not start survivor benefits for you.

What if the person who died was not yet receiving Social Security?

Survivor benefits can still be paid based on the deceased person's earnings record, even if they had not yet claimed benefits themselves. Social Security calculates what the person would have received at their full retirement age and uses that to determine survivor payments. You will still need to provide a death certificate and proof of your relationship to claim.

Can I claim survivor benefits if I am working?

Yes, but there is an earnings limit. If you are under full retirement age and earn more than a certain amount per year, Social Security will reduce your survivor benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. The limit changes each year. Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without affecting your benefits.

How long do survivor benefits last?

It depends on your age and situation. A surviving spouse can receive benefits until they remarry (unless they are age 60 or older) or until they die. Children receive benefits until age 18, or 19 if in high school. A child disabled before age 22 receives benefits for life. A surviving parent age 62 or older receives benefits for life.

What if I disagree with Social Security's decision about my claim?

You have the right to appeal. Contact Social Security within 60 days of the decision letter and ask for reconsideration. If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Social Security will explain the appeal process in the decision letter.