The first weeks
Contact the Social Security Administration
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. They handle two things at once: stopping any monthly benefit they were receiving, and starting survivor benefits for eligible family (usually a surviving spouse or dependent children).
What you'll need
- Their Social Security number
- A copy of the death certificate
Good to know
Payments for the month of death and after usually have to be returned, and survivor benefits start only once you apply.
Need help with this step?
Someone on our team can talk through this step with you, answer questions, and help you figure out what applies.
Free · Call or text 301-539-9175