Report the death to Social Security as soon as possible after it happens
When someone receiving Social Security dies, you must tell Social Security within a specific timeframe. The person who should report the death is usually a family member, the executor of the estate, or whoever is handling arrangements. You do not need to wait for a death certificate to be issued — you can report using the date of death you know.
Social Security stops paying benefits the month after the person dies. If the agency continues to send payments after death, those payments must be returned. Reporting quickly prevents overpayments that the family may later have to repay.
Key Takeaways
- Call Social Security's main number (1-800-772-1213) or visit your local Social Security office in person to report a death.
- Have the Social Security number of the deceased person ready, along with the date of death.
- Social Security stops benefits the month after death, so any payments received after that month must be returned.
- Family members may be may have access to to survivor benefits, which are separate from the deceased person's own benefits.
- If you receive a payment after the person dies, contact Social Security immediately to report it and arrange repayment.
Where and how to report the death
You can report a death to Social Security by phone, in person, or online. The phone number is 1-800-772-1213, available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have the deceased person's Social Security number and the date of death ready when you call.
If you prefer to report in person, visit your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest office at ssa.gov or by calling the main number. Bring a photo ID and the deceased person's Social Security card if you have it.
You can also report online through my Social Security, the account portal at ssa.gov. Log in with the deceased person's account information if you have access, or create an account using their information. The online option is available 24 hours a day.
What information Social Security will need
When you contact Social Security, have these details ready: the deceased person's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death. If you are calling on behalf of someone else, Social Security may ask your relationship to the deceased and your contact information.
You do not need to provide a death certificate at the time of reporting. However, Social Security may request one later, especially if the death occurred outside the United States or if there are questions about the date. Most funeral homes can provide certified copies of the death certificate, or you can request one from the vital records office in the county where the death occurred.
What happens to ongoing benefit payments
Social Security stops paying benefits in the month after the person dies. For example, if someone dies on March 15, their March benefit payment may still be sent, but no April payment will be issued. Any payment received after the month of death must be returned to Social Security.
If the deceased person's bank account is set up for direct deposit, the final payment may still post. Contact your bank to report the death so they can help you return the payment to Social Security. Do not spend money that arrives after the person dies, as Social Security will ask for it back.
If you receive a payment by check after the person dies, write "Deceased" on the check and return it to Social Security. You can mail it to your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask where to send it.
Survivor benefits for family members
When someone receiving Social Security dies, certain family members may be may have access to to survivor benefits based on that person's work record. These are separate from the deceased person's own benefits. may be able to access survivors typically include a widow or widower age 60 or older (or age 50 or older if disabled), children under age 19 (or up to age 19 if still in high school), and parents age 62 or older who depended on the deceased for support.
A widow or widower can receive benefits as early as age 60, and the amount is a percentage of what the deceased person was receiving. Children receive benefits until they reach age 18, or age 19 if they are full-time high school students. To explore whether family members may be may have access to to survivor benefits, contact Social Security when you report the death.
If you receive a notice of overpayment
After reporting the death, Social Security will review the account to make sure no extra payments were sent. If payments were issued after the month of death, Social Security will send a notice explaining how much must be repaid and by when. This is called an overpayment.
If you believe the overpayment was made in error, or if you cannot repay the full amount, you can request a waiver or a payment plan. Contact Social Security to discuss your situation. Providing documentation of financial hardship can support a request to reduce or eliminate the repayment obligation, though approval is not may provide.
Reporting a death for someone receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
If the deceased person was receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rather than regular Social Security, the reporting process is the same: call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and limited resources, and benefits stop the month after death.
For SSI recipients, it is especially important to report quickly because overpayments can be larger and recovery more aggressive. If the deceased person lived with others who also receive SSI, report the death so Social Security can recalculate benefits for the household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a death certificate to report the death to Social Security?
No. You can report using the date of death you know. Social Security may ask for a certified death certificate later, but you do not need one to make the initial report. Most funeral homes provide death certificates, or you can request one from the vital records office in the county where the death occurred.
What if I receive a Social Security payment after the person dies?
Contact Social Security immediately at 1-800-772-1213 to report the payment. Do not spend the money. If it was direct deposited, your bank can help you return it. If it was a check, write "Deceased" on it and mail it to your local Social Security office.
Can family members receive benefits based on the deceased person's work record?
Yes. Widows or widowers, children under 19 (or 19 if in high school), and dependent parents age 62 or older may be may have access to to survivor benefits. Contact Social Security when you report the death to learn whether family members may have access to and how much they may receive.
How long does it take for Social Security to stop sending payments?
Social Security stops benefits the month after death. If you report quickly, the agency can prevent overpayments. If payments continue after the month of death, Social Security will send an overpayment notice and ask for the money back.
What if the person died outside the United States?
Report the death the same way: call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. Social Security will likely request a certified death certificate from the country where the death occurred. The process may take longer, but the reporting steps are the same.