It can be hard to tell everyone you need to while you are grieving the death of a loved one.Notification of the death to the Social Security Administration should be done as soon as possible.The Social Security Administration can mark someone as dead if they let them know.You can begin the process of applying for survivor's benefits if you report a death promptly.
Step 1: The funeral director will inform Social Security.
If someone in your family has died and a funeral home is handling the burial or cremation, you should contact the Social Security Administration.To make sure the death gets reported, ask your funeral director if this is the case.While the funeral director is going over the things they are going to do for you, they may bring this up.
Step 2: The funeral director needs the information to report the death.
Basic information about the deceased, such as their full name, social security number, and date of birth, will be required by the funeral director.If there is a widow or widower, they will need her name, address, and phone number.Most of the information your funeral director needs to do their general intake for your deceased family member will be gathered.
Step 3: The funeral director can do the notification if you sign paperwork.
Your funeral director may require you to sign a form that allows them to work on your behalf.Signing their paperwork allows you to authorize them to do a variety of tasks and ensures that you will pay them for their services.The Statement of Death form that your funeral director submits to the Social Security Administration will not require you to sign.The form only requires the signature of a funeral director.
Step 4: You can call or visit the Social Security Administration.
If you don't use a funeral director that can report the death, you will need to do it over the phone or in person.The Social Security Administration has a phone number.You can find the office closest to you on the Social Security Administration's website.It will be easier to report the death over the phone in most cases.If you need to call in to report a death, you can use the TTY number.
Step 5: Social Security should not be notified online.
Death reports can't be processed online by the Social Security Administration.You will be able to apply for survivor's benefits online, but you need to report the death in person or on the phone.Information about the process, what documents you will need, and how to do a notification can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov.
Step 6: The Social Security Administration is open.
You can call the Social Security office between 7 AM and 7 PM on Mondays through Fridays.You may be able to leave a message to request a call back at certain times of the day.
Step 7: The death certificate can be used to give information to the Social Security Administration.
You will need to give the Social Security Administration specific information when you call.This information will be listed on the death certificate, so having it handy will speed up the process.Bring a copy of the death certificate with you when you visit the Social Security Administration.A copy of the death certificate needs to be sent to the Social Security Administration.If it takes you a while to get a copy of the death certificate, you can still report a death.The process won't be finished until the death certificate is filed.
Step 8: Social Security benefits should not be kept after the death.
Any Social Security benefits paid out after the death must be returned.If there is a direct deposit and a check is received, you should ask the bank to return the funds.
Step 9: Do you know if existing benefits will be transferred automatically?
Social Security benefits should be transferred to the widow or widower of the person who died.You should confirm that this is the case when you report the death.You will not receive the deceased's benefits if you are also receiving benefits.If the Social Security Administration determines which benefits are higher, yours or your survivor benefits, you will receive the higher amount.
Step 10: Determine if anyone is eligible for survivor's benefits.
Some family members of people who have worked in the social security system may be eligible for survivor's benefits after they die.A widow or widower who is 60 or older and caring for a child under the age of 18 will need to apply for benefits if the deceased was not receiving them yet.
Step 11: You need to apply for survivor's benefits.
As soon as possible, apply for survivor's benefits for your family member who died.The Social Security Administration has a website where you can apply for benefits.You will need to provide proof of death, social security number and marriage certificate if you want to apply.