Guide · Notifications
Notify Social Security of a death
How to report a death to the SSA, claim the $255 lump sum, and what survivor benefits a spouse or child may qualify for.
The funeral home usually reports the death to the SSA. Otherwise, call 1-800-772-1213 with the death certificate and Social Security number. A surviving spouse or eligible child can claim a $255 one-time lump sum and may qualify for monthly survivor benefits depending on the deceased's work history.
Step by step
Confirm who is reporting
Most funeral homes report the death to the SSA automatically. Ask. If they do not, you must report it within a few days.
Call the SSA
Call 1-800-772-1213 with the death certificate and the decedent's Social Security number. The SSA does not accept death reports online.
Return any post-death payment
Social Security pays in arrears. A payment received the month after death must be returned. The SSA reclaims it automatically from most banks.
Claim the $255 lump sum
A surviving spouse who lived with the decedent, or an eligible dependent child, can claim the one-time $255 death payment.
File for survivor benefits
A surviving spouse may qualify for monthly survivor benefits based on the deceased's earnings record, starting at age 60 (50 if disabled).
Common questions
How long does the SSA take to update?
Usually within a few business days of the funeral home's report or your call. Banks return post-death deposits automatically once the SSA flags the SSN.
Can survivor benefits start while my own benefits keep growing?
Yes. A widow or widower can claim survivor benefits and let their own retirement benefit grow to age 70, then switch to whichever is larger.