Death benefits are not automatically paid out through Social Security. They must be requested and applied for separately, and it’s best to do so as soon as possible. Any delay in application may delay the payment itself. Furthermore, if you aren’t currently receiving Social Security benefits, any delay in the application may result in Social Security paying out relative to the date you apply, rather than the date of death.
Here’s how to apply:
If death has occurred, notify Social Security immediately so that they halt benefits.
Depositing Social Security benefits paid out after death can cause major delays in transferring survivor benefits over to the spouse or children.
Contact your local Social Security office or visit in person.
They will provide the necessary forms to fill out. Depositing Social Security benefits paid out after death can cause major delays in transferring survivor benefits over to the spouse or children.
You will need to provide quite a bit of information to confirm the decedent’s identity and date of death.
Specifically, you’ll likely need:
- The decedent’s Social Security Number
- Your Social Security Number
- A death certificate
- Your birth certificate
- The decedent’s most recent W-2 or self-employed tax return
- A marriage certificate or divorce papers (to apply as a widow)
- Any dependent child’s birth certificate and Social Security Number.
It may take a while to gather this information, but we can at least help with the death certificate. During the cremation ordering process, let us know that you require a death certificate for benefits purposes and we will be happy to provide one or more.
