When a family member dies, survivors are instructed to notify the Social Security Administration of the death to discuss benefits you may be entitled to.
In most cases, the funeral home will report the death to the Social Security Administration as long as they are provided with the decedent’s Social Security number. However, some of the survivor’s benefits may have to be applied for either on the phone or in person at a local office.
In addition, some benefits received may be required to be returned to the Social Security Administration if the payment was received after death. If your benefits are mailed to you in the form of a check, it is important to not cash the check until you’ve determined if you are eligible for the benefit. Benefits that are deposited directly to your bank may be returned to the Social Security Administration directly through the institution.
We recommend a thorough review of your current situation before making any big decisions. There are many variables to consider that can have a significant impact on the long-term benefits received. We also recommend consulting with both the Social Security Administration and a qualified professional who can help discuss your options in detail.