Who Do I Call About Social Security When Someone Dies?
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We are sorry for your loss
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Who to call about Social Security
The funeral home usually reports the death to Social Security as part of the paperwork they file. But do not assume it happened — survivors should call Social Security directly to confirm and to ask about benefits.
- Social Security survivors line: 1-800-772-1213
- More detail: ssa.gov/survivor
Be ready to say when the death happened and whether a benefit payment already went out for that month. A benefit paid for the month of death often has to be returned — Social Security can tell you exactly how, in your case.
What to have ready
Order more certified death certificates than feels reasonable — 10 or more. Banks, insurers, the DMV, and the county each want an original, not a copy. See cdc.gov/nchs/w2w for how vital records offices handle this.
If the person who died was a veteran, the VA may cover burial costs, a plot, or survivor benefits. One call costs nothing to find out: va.gov/burials-memorials
A caution about scams
Scammers read obituaries. Never pay anyone who calls claiming to be a "debt collector" for the deceased without written validation of the debt first. If you can, avoid publishing the home address in the obituary — it can tell strangers exactly when the house will be empty.
What can truly wait
The house, the belongings, most other accounts — these can wait. People will pressure you to decide fast. You do not have to.
If a will, probate, or estate tax question comes up, that is where a probate attorney earns their fee — many offer a free first consultation, and legal aid handles many estates at no cost. This is not legal or tax advice; confirm anything specific with a professional.
This guide offers general information for a hard week. It can be wrong, and it is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Estate rules vary by state. Nothing you type is stored.
What to do next
The free tool above asks a few gentle questions about your situation and puts these steps in order for you — what is today, what is this week, and what can truly wait.
After a Loss offers general guidance for a hard week; it can be wrong and it is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Estate matters vary by state. Nothing you type is stored.