Reporting Date of Death
Social Security should be notified as soon as possible when a person dies. In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death to Social Security. Family members should give the funeral home the deceased person’s Social Security number if you want the funeral home to report the death for you.
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. You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Potential Return of Benefits Paid
Be aware that you may be required to return Social Security benefits that have been deposited into the deceased person’s bank account. Why? Because Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month earned. For example, if you are eligible for Social Security in the month of July, you will receive the July benefits in August.
You are not eligible to receive Social Security benefits for the month of death. Since benefits are paid in arrears, if you die in the month of July, the benefits received in August must be returned.
Widow / Widower Benefits
The widow or widower can receive reduced benefits as early as age 60 or full benefits at full retirement age or older. The amount of the benefit is equal to 100% of the deceased spouse’s benefit if the widow or widower has reached full retirement age. If the widow or widower is at least age 60 up to full retirement age, the percentage ranges from 71.5% to 99% of the deceased spouse’s benefit amount.
In addition to the monthly social security benefit, a surviving spouse may receive a special lump-sum death payment of $255 if they were living in the same household when the spouse died. If they were living apart, the surviving spouse can still receive the lump sum benefit if the deceased spouse was already receiving benefits or became eligible for benefits upon the spouse’s death.
Set up a meeting with the local Social Security office so that a representative can work with you to calculate the benefits for which you are eligible. For a list of documents and questions that you should be prepared to answer when you meet with the Social Security representative, see the article entitled “Social Security Benefits after Death of a Spouse – Part II.”
Reba Rogers, CPA, is the founder of Secure Aging, a group of care managers who preserve the independence and protect the assets of seniors by helping them with financial management. She is also a Director Consultant for BNI (Business Network International), a referral marketing organization which gives her access to many trusted business professionals in the community.
