Reporting a Death to Social Security | Honorly
INSURANCE & BENEFITS

How to Report a Death to Social Security & Claim Survivor Benefits

Updated September 2026

The Social Security Administration needs to be notified of a death, and eligible family members may qualify for survivor benefits. This guide covers how to report the death, what happens to payments, and how survivors apply.

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QUICK ANSWER

Make sure the death has been reported to Social Security, which is usually handled by the funeral home or cremation provider (if you used one). If the deceased was receiving Social Security, any benefit paid for the month of death or later generally must be returned. Eligible survivors may qualify for a one-time $255 death payment and ongoing survivor benefits. Survivor benefits cannot be applied for online, so you'll need to contact Social Security directly.

AT A GLANCE
Who can handle it Eligible surviving family members can apply for benefits; the funeral home usually reports the death
Documents you may need Certified death certificate, the deceased's Social Security number, and marriage or birth certificates for survivors
Does it require probate? No
What happens to benefits? Monthly payments stop; eligible survivors may receive a $255 lump sum and ongoing survivor benefits
WHAT'S INVOLVED

How do you handle Social Security after someone dies?

A NOTE ON WHAT HONORLY DOES

Honorly reports the death and coordinates the applications and paperwork. Whether a survivor qualifies for a specific benefit, and for how much, is determined by the Social Security Administration.

  1. 01
    Confirm the death has been reported
    Funeral homes usually report the death to Social Security using the deceased person's Social Security number. It's a good idea to confirm this was done. If the funeral home didn't report the death, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
  2. 02
    Stop and return payments for the month of death onward
    Social Security does not pay benefits for the month a person dies. If a payment for that month or later is deposited, contact the bank and ask them to return it to Social Security.
  3. 03
    Check the one-time death payment
    A one-time payment of $255 may be available to an eligible surviving spouse or, in some cases, a dependent child.
  4. 04
    Apply for survivor benefits
    Eligible surviving spouses, dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents may qualify for monthly survivor benefits. Apply by phone or in person.
  5. 05
    Provide the documents
    Have the certified death certificate, the deceased's Social Security number, and proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates) ready.
  6. 06
    Keep a record
    Save confirmation of the report and any benefit determinations with the estate documentation.
HOW HONORLY HELPS

How does Honorly help?

We can confirm the death has been reported, coordinate the return of any payments that need to go back, gather the documents survivors need, and help with survivor benefit applications and follow-ups.

You focus on your family. We handle the reporting, paperwork, and follow-through.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions about social security

Why do we have to return a payment?

Social Security is not payable for the month of death. A payment received for that month or later generally has to be returned, even if it arrives after the person has died.

Can I apply for survivor benefits online?

No. Survivor benefit applications are handled by phone or in person, not through the online portal.

About Honorly

Let us handle it.

Honorly is an estate settlement service that handles the administrative, financial, and legal tasks that follow a loved one's passing, so families aren't left to figure everything out alone.

We handle the calls, paperwork, and follow-ups that come after a loss, so your family can focus on each other.

Talk to our team