Social Security After a Death
After a death, the Social Security Administration should be notified, and a surviving spouse or dependents may be eligible for benefits. In many cases the funeral home reports the death to Social Security as a courtesy, but the family should confirm and follow up. A one-time lump-sum death payment and ongoing survivor benefits may apply, depending on the situation. Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, formerly Meador, in Gainesville and Whitesboro, Texas, can explain the basics and point families to the Social Security Administration. To ask a question, call (903) 564-3800.
Serving Gainesville and Cooke County, including Lindsay, Valley View, Callisburg, Lake Kiowa, Era, and Muenster; and Whitesboro and Grayson County, including Collinsville, Sadler, Tioga, Southmayd, Pottsboro, and Gordonville.
Social Security must be notified of a death. Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow often reports the death as a courtesy using the information provided, but families should confirm the report and contact the Social Security Administration with any questions.
A surviving spouse or eligible dependents may qualify for a one-time lump-sum death payment and ongoing survivor benefits. Amounts and eligibility are determined by the Social Security Administration based on the deceased’s record.
Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow, the homes formerly known as Meador, helps families understand the first steps and what information is needed, while the Social Security Administration handles the actual benefits.
Social Security Steps After a Death
- Report the death. The funeral home often notifies Social Security as a courtesy; confirm and follow up.
- Lump-sum payment. A one-time death payment may be available to an eligible surviving spouse or child.
- Survivor benefits. Ongoing survivor benefits may apply for a spouse or dependents.
- Have information ready. The deceased’s Social Security number and personal details help the process.
- Contact the SSA. For benefit questions, contact the Social Security Administration directly.
FAQ
How do I notify Social Security when someone dies?
In many cases the funeral home reports the death to the Social Security Administration as a courtesy using the information the family provides. The family should confirm this was done and contact the SSA directly with any benefit questions.
Is there a Social Security death benefit?
A one-time lump-sum death payment may be available to an eligible surviving spouse or, in some cases, a dependent child. Eligibility and the amount are set by the Social Security Administration based on the deceased’s record.
Can a surviving spouse receive Social Security survivor benefits?
An eligible surviving spouse, and sometimes dependent children, may qualify for ongoing survivor benefits. The Social Security Administration determines eligibility, so the family should contact the SSA to apply and learn what applies.
Reviewed by the funeral directors of Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, serving Gainesville and Whitesboro, Texas.
Texas Funeral Service Commission license number 4450 (Whitesboro) and license number 4457 (Gainesville). Social Security benefits and amounts are determined by the Social Security Administration.
Social Security Administration