How do I tell Social Security about a death?

If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Although our offices are closed to the public, employees from those offices are assisting people by telephone.

Is there a form to report a death to Social Security?

Form SSA-8 | Information You Need To Apply For Lump Sum Death Benefit. You can apply for benefits by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office.

What does Social Security do when someone dies?

If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death and any later months. For example, if the person died in July, you must return the benefits paid in August. Benefits received by check must be returned to Social Security as soon as possible.

How often is Social Security Death Index updated?

The Social Security Administration updates the Death Index monthly. However, every site does not update their database every month. Therefore, what you find at one site may not be available at another site.

Do I need to send a death certificate to Social Security?

Call these offices to find out their requirements, such as sending a certified copy of the death certificate. Social Security: You must notify the Social Security Administration of the death, and apply for any possible Social Security death benefits and survivors’ benefits.

When a person dies does Social Security take back money?

“Any benefit that’s paid after the month of the person’s death needs to be refunded,” Sherman said. With Social Security, each payment received represents the previous month’s benefits. So if a person dies in January, the check for that month — which would be paid in February — would need to be returned if received.

What happens if no beneficiary is named on bank account?

Accounts That Go Through Probate If a bank account has no joint owner or designated beneficiary, it will likely have to go through probate. The account funds will then be distributed—after all creditors of the estate are paid off—according to the terms of the will.

Are Social Security records public?

This commitment is as solid as it was when Social Security began in 1935 and is further strengthened by privacy laws. We cannot publicly release much of our data because it is protected by the Privacy Laws, the Internal Revenue code, and other statutes. While some of the data can be anonymized, much of it cannot.

Who notifies social security when you die?

Notify Social Security as soon as possible when someone getting benefits dies. In most cases, the funeral director will report the person’s death to Social Security. Give the funeral director the deceased’s Social Security number so he or she can report the death.

How do I report the death of a social security recipient?

Call the Social Security Administration Yourself You can report a death or apply for survivors’ benefits by calling the SSA ’s toll-free number, 800-772-1213, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can report a death or apply for survivors’ benefits by calling the SSA’s toll-free number, 800-772-1213, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit or call the nearest Social Security office.

What is the Social Security death list?

The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a list of deceased persons who had been assigned a Social Security Number. The SSDI generally contains names of social security applicants who died after 1962. Applicants who died before 1962 may or may not be in the SSDI.

Where can I find free social security Death Index?

You can find them in the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). Through websites like Ancestry.com, family history researchers can access these records and request an application for copies of the death records.