What Happens To Your Spouse’s Social Security Checks When They Die?

Florence,

This is a very interesting question regarding Social Security. Social Security will advise you on what will be most advantageous for you. They will show you which way will be best. Social Security may not allow you to keep both Social Security checks. They will let you use and keep whichever option is best for you.

Sometimes, people wait too long to let Social Security know that their loved one (spouse) has passed away. Don’t wait! The Social Security office goes by the day you notify them of your loved one’s passing; not the day that he or she passed away. The Social Security website states that funeral homes generally inform them when an individual dies, so you don’t have to notify them. However, if a funeral home isn’t involved or doesn’t report the death for whatever reason, you need to contact the Social Security Administration to report it. Make sure you provide the:

• Name
• Social Security Number
• Date of birth
• Date of death

Call +1 800-772-1213 OR +1 800-325-0778 if you’re deaf or hard of hearing.

Social Security Survivor Benefits, Next Steps

• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visit the website at ssa.gov, or go to your local Social Security office and meet with a representative. They will advise you on how to apply for survivor benefits.
• Social Security will show you which way will be best for you, but they may not allow you to use your or your husband’s Social Security checks.
• If you are getting benefits as a wife or husband based on your spouse’s Social Security check, when you report the death to Social Security, they will change your payments to survivor benefits. If they need more information, then they will contact you.
• Social Security will need certain information, but do not delay applying if you don’t have everything. A Social Security representative can direct you as to what you need.
• Social Security needs either original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. They do not accept unofficial copies. Everything has to be documented and official.

Toni Says: Remember – any time you go to Social Security and they are processing an application or making a change, always get a copy of what they are processing and what they’ve promised you.

Benefits for Surviving Family Members

According to the official Social Security website, a spouse will receive a lump-sum death payment of $255. If someone doesn’t have a spouse, their children may still be eligible to receive the benefit provided they meet the following qualifications:

• They’re aged 17 or younger, or
• Aged 18-19 and in school (K-12) full-time, or
• Any age if they developed a disability at age 21 or younger.

Additionally, a spouse who doesn’t live in the same home might also be eligible to receive the death benefit depending on the record of the deceased party. And remember, you must apply for this payment within two months of the family member’s death to receive it!

How Can I Report the Death?

Fortunately, the Social Security Administration handles death reports for both the SSA and Medicare! To report the death, you have two options. You can either:

1. Contact the funeral home and provide the deceased party’s Social Security Number so they can report the death.
2. Contact your local Social Security office or call the main Social Security number at 1-800-772-1213. Please note that the SSA does NOT accept reports by email or online. You must either call them or go to the office in person!

What Type of Documents and Information Will Social Security Need?

• Proof of death – either from a funeral home or a death certificate
• Your Social Security number, as well as the deceased spouse
• Your birth certificate
• Your marriage certificate, if you are a widow or widower
• Your divorce papers, if you are applying as a divorced widow or widower
• Dependent children’s Social Security numbers, if available, and birth certificates
• Deceased spouse’s W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax return for the most recent year
• The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be deposited directly into your account        

How Can I Return a Social Security Payment After Someone Dies?

If you receive a Social Security check for a deceased spouse, then you must return the check. Per the Social Security website, if you receive a payment in the month of August for July’s Social Security, you cannot keep it, as you are not entitled to someone else’s benefit! To return the check, you have two options.

• Using the address on the check envelope, you can mail it back to the Regional Financial Center (RFC), U.S. Treasury Department. Alternatively, you can visit your local Social Security office and return it there. Make sure you tell them why it’s being returned!
• If you receive the check in your bank account as a direct deposit, contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible. Request that they return the payment for the month that the beneficiary passed away and any subsequent payments you may have received.

Other Helpful Resources

I hope that answered your question, Florence—and any other reader who’s ever been in Florence’s position! If you ever need more Social Security help, be sure to visit Social Security Information and Resources For Seniors and Retirees right here on Senior Resource! And if you ever need any Medicare help, I’m the best person to ask! Simply call me at 832-519-8664 or email [email protected].

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