Notifying the SSA when someone dies
Funeral home is responsible for notifying the SSA — 1 to 3 months for survivor benefit claims
OverviewWhen someone dies
Social Security Administration
Phone1-800-772-1213
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
Survivor Benefits
Phone1-800-772-1213
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
Death Reporting
Phone1-800-772-1213
Timeline
1 to 3 months for survivor benefit claims
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
Verified Jul 2026
When someone dies, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must be notified. In most cases, the funeral home reports the death to the SSA.
Notification deadline: As soon as possible after death.
Steps to take
Steps for notifying the SSA and applying for survivor benefits:
1
Provide the deceased person's Social Security number to the funeral home so they can report the death to SSA.
2
If the funeral home has not reported the death, contact SSA directly:
- •Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- •SSA representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
- •SSA does not accept death reports online
- •Provide the deceased's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death
3
Return any Social Security payments received for the month of death or later. No payment is due for the month of death, even if the person dies on the last day of the month. If benefits were direct deposited, contact the bank to return funds to SSA.
4
Apply for survivor benefits if eligible (https://www.ssa.gov/survivor/). Contact SSA as soon as possible — benefits are generally paid from the date of the application, not the date of death:
- •Lump Sum Death Payment ($255) — apply online through a personal my Social Security account, by phone, or at a local office; must be filed within 2 years of death (Form SSA-8)
- •Monthly survivor benefits for an eligible widow, widower, surviving divorced spouse, children, or dependent parents (Form SSA-10; parents use Form SSA-7)
- •Monthly survivor benefit applications cannot be filed online — call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office
- •Do not delay applying if you do not have all documents — SSA will help you get them
5
Bring required documents to a local Social Security office for verification. SSA accepts original documents or certified copies and will return originals after review.
Required Documents
- Proof of death (death certificate or funeral home statement)
- Deceased person's Social Security number
- Applicant's Social Security number
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (for surviving spouse claims)
- Divorce decree (for surviving divorced spouse claims)
- Deceased worker's W-2 forms or self-employment tax return for the most recent year
- Bank account information for direct deposit (routing and account number)
Timeline
1 to 3 months for survivor benefit claims
Survivor benefits
Lump Sum Death Payment
A one-time payment of $255 paid to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased. If the spouse was not living in the same home, they may still qualify if they are eligible for benefits on the deceased worker's record. If there is no surviving spouse, a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased worker's record may receive it. Application must be filed within two years of the worker's death (Form SSA-8).
Eligibility: Surviving spouse living with the deceased at time of death (or living apart but eligible on the worker's record); if no spouse, an eligible child
Amount: $255 (one-time)
How to apply: Apply online through a personal my Social Security account, at a local Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Must apply within 2 years of death (Form SSA-8).
Learn more →Widow/Widower Benefits
Monthly benefits available to a surviving spouse who was married at least 9 months before the death, starting at age 60 (age 50 if disabled), or at any age if caring for the deceased's child under age 16 or a disabled child who is receiving Social Security benefits. A spouse who remarries before age 60 (50 if disabled) is not eligible. Benefits are based on the deceased worker's earnings record. Apply using Form SSA-10.
Eligibility: Surviving spouse (married 9+ months) age 60+ (50+ if disabled) who did not remarry before 60 (50 if disabled), or any age if caring for deceased's child under 16 or disabled
Amount: 71.5% to 100% of deceased worker's benefit amount depending on age at claim (100% at full retirement age)
How to apply: Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office (Form SSA-10)
Learn more →Surviving Divorced Spouse Benefits
Monthly benefits for a surviving divorced spouse if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Same age requirements as widow/widower benefits. A surviving divorced spouse caring for the deceased's child under age 16 does not need to meet the 10-year marriage requirement.
Eligibility: Surviving divorced spouse age 60+ (50+ if disabled) with marriage lasting 10+ years, not remarried before age 60 (50 if disabled)
Amount: 71.5% to 100% of deceased worker's benefit amount depending on age at claim
How to apply: Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office (Form SSA-10)
Learn more →Children's Survivor Benefits
Monthly benefits for unmarried children of the deceased worker who are age 17 or younger (or up to age 19 if a full-time student in elementary or secondary school), or any age if disabled at age 21 or younger. Under certain circumstances, stepchildren, adopted children, grandchildren, and stepgrandchildren may also qualify. Subject to a family maximum benefit cap (150% to 180% of the worker's benefit).
Eligibility: Unmarried children age 17 or younger (up to 19 if full-time student in K-12), or any age if disabled at age 21 or younger
Amount: Up to 75% of deceased worker's benefit amount (subject to family maximum of 150%-180%)
How to apply: Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office
Learn more →Parent's Survivor Benefits
Monthly benefits for a dependent parent age 62 or older of a deceased worker who was providing at least half of the parent's financial support. Apply using Form SSA-7.
Eligibility: Dependent parent age 62+ who received at least half their support from the deceased
Amount: 82.5% of deceased worker's benefit for one parent; 75% each for two parents
How to apply: Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office (Form SSA-7)
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
In most cases, the funeral home reports the death to Social Security. If the funeral home does not file the report, a family member or other responsible party should contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 as soon as possible. You will need the deceased's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death.
No. Social Security does not accept death reports online. Deaths must be reported by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at a local Social Security office.
Yes. No Social Security payment is due for the month of death, even if the person dies on the last day of the month. Any payment received for the month the person died or any month after must be returned. If benefits were deposited by direct deposit, contact the bank and request the funds be returned to SSA.
The lump sum death payment is a one-time payment of $255. It can be paid to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death, or to a spouse or child eligible for benefits on the deceased's record. You must apply within two years of the date of death using Form SSA-8.
Monthly survivor benefit applications (for a widow, widower, surviving divorced spouse, child, or dependent parent) cannot be submitted online — you must apply by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office in person. The one-time $255 lump-sum death payment can now be applied for online through a personal my Social Security account, or by phone or in person.
A surviving spouse can receive reduced benefits starting at age 60 (age 50 if disabled). Full survivor benefits are available at the surviving spouse's full retirement age. A surviving spouse of any age who is caring for the deceased's child under 16 can also receive benefits.
A surviving divorced spouse can receive survivor benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. The same age requirements apply as for widows and widowers (age 60, or 50 if disabled). If the surviving divorced spouse remarries before age 60 (age 50 if disabled), they are not eligible. However, remarrying after that age does not affect eligibility.
Social Security survivor benefits may be taxable depending on total income. Combined income is calculated as adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest plus half of Social Security benefits. For individuals, if combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50% of benefits may be taxable; above $34,000, up to 85% may be taxable. For married couples filing jointly, if combined income is between $32,000 and $44,000, up to 50% of benefits may be taxable; above $44,000, up to 85% may be taxable.
When a spouse dies, the surviving spouse may be eligible for survivor benefits based on the deceased's earnings record. If the surviving spouse is already receiving their own Social Security benefits, they receive the higher of the two amounts (not both). The surviving spouse should contact SSA even if they are unsure whether the survivor benefit would be higher.
After completing the notification process, eligible survivors can apply for 5 benefits through the SSA. Each benefit has its own eligibility requirements and application process.
Keep copies of all documents submitted to the SSA. Original documents submitted for verification are typically returned after processing.
Social Security Administration
Phone1-800-772-1213
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
Survivor Benefits
Phone1-800-772-1213
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
Death Reporting
Phone1-800-772-1213
Timeline
1 to 3 months for survivor benefit claims
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
Verified Jul 2026