How to Report a Death to Social Security

Who should report the death and when

You do not have to be a family member to report a death to Social Security. A funeral director, nursing home, hospital, or anyone handling the person's affairs can make the report. The sooner you report, the sooner Social Security stops any payments that should not continue — this prevents overpayments that the family might later have to repay.

There is no strict important date, but reporting within a few days is standard practice. If Social Security continues to send checks after someone dies, those checks become the property of the deceased's estate and must be returned. The longer you wait, the larger the overpayment grows.

Key Takeaways

Call Social Security's main number at 1-800-772-1213 to report a death; you do not need to be a family member.
Have the deceased's Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death ready when you call.
Social Security will stop benefit payments and notify other agencies, but you may also need to contact Medicare, Medicaid, or other programs separately.
Any checks received after the date of death must be returned to Social Security, even if they were deposited automatically.
Surviving family members may be may have access to to survivor benefits, which Social Security will discuss during the death report call.

How to report by phone

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). This is the fastest way to report a death. Have ready the deceased's Social Security number, date of birth, and the date of death. You can also provide the name and phone number of the funeral home if one is handling arrangements.

The representative will record the death in Social Security's system and ask whether the deceased was receiving benefits. They will explain what happens next with any ongoing payments and will ask whether there are surviving spouses, children, or dependents who might be may have access to to survivor benefits. This conversation often takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Social Security's phone lines are busiest early in the week and early in the morning. If you reach a long wait, you can call back at a quieter time or ask the automated system to schedule a callback.

Reporting in person at a Social Security office

You can also report a death by visiting a local Social Security office in person. Bring the deceased's Social Security card (or a record of the number), a birth certificate or other proof of identity, and a death certificate or funeral home statement showing the date of death. Not all offices require all these documents, but having them prevents a second trip.

In-person visits are useful if you need to discuss survivor benefits for family members or if you have questions about overpayments or returned checks. However, phone reporting is usually faster and does not require travel.

What Social Security does after you report

Once Social Security records the death, the agency stops sending benefits under that person's account. If benefits were being deposited directly to a bank account, the deposits stop. If checks were being mailed, they stop as well.

Social Security also notifies Medicare automatically. If the deceased was receiving Medicaid, you will usually need to contact your state Medicaid office separately to report the death — Social Security does not always do this. Similarly, if the person was receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you should confirm with Social Security that SSI payments have stopped.

Social Security will ask whether there are surviving family members who might receive survivor benefits. These can include a widow or widower, children under 19 (or up to 23 if in school), and in some cases a parent age 60 or older. The agency will mail information about these benefits or discuss them during your call.

Handling checks and deposits received after death

Any Social Security check dated after the person's death must be returned. If a check was deposited directly to a bank account after the death, the bank may freeze the account or flag the deposit. Do not spend money from deposits made after the date of death.

To return checks, write "Deceased" and the date of death on the back and mail them to the address shown on the check, or contact Social Security for instructions. If you deposited a check by mistake, contact your bank when ready and explain the situation. The bank can reverse the deposit and return the funds to Social Security.

If Social Security overpaid the deceased's account because of a delay in reporting, the agency may ask the family to repay the overpayment. However, if the overpayment was Social Security's error, the agency may waive repayment. Discuss this with Social Security when you report the death.

Reporting for someone receiving SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program separate from regular Social Security retirement or disability benefits. If the deceased was receiving SSI, report the death the same way — by calling 1-800-772-1213. SSI payments must stop by the month after the person dies.

If someone else in the household was also receiving SSI, that person's benefits may change because the household size has changed. Social Security will recalculate benefits for any remaining household members. Have information about other household members' income and resources ready when you call.

What to do if you receive a notice about overpayment

After reporting a death, Social Security may send a notice saying the deceased's account was overpaid. This happens when checks or deposits were sent after the date of death or when there was a delay in stopping benefits. The notice will say how much is owed and may ask the family to repay it.

You have the right to ask Social Security to reconsider the overpayment or to waive it if the family cannot afford to repay. You can also ask for a payment plan if the amount is large. Contact Social Security in writing or by phone to discuss your options. Keep copies of all correspondence about the overpayment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you can report by phone using just the date of death. A death certificate is helpful if you visit an office in person, but Social Security can record the death based on your verbal report. You will receive a copy of the death certificate from the funeral home or vital records office, and you can provide it later if needed.

Can I report a death online?

Social Security does not have an online form to report a death. You must call 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office in person. Some funeral homes will report the death on behalf of the family as part of their services, so ask when you make arrangements.

What if the person was not receiving Social Security benefits?

You should still report the death to Social Security so the agency's records are accurate and to prevent anyone from fraudulently claiming benefits under that person's number. Call the same number and explain that the person was not receiving benefits but has died.

Will my family receive money after I report the death?

Possibly. Surviving spouses, children, and sometimes parents may receive survivor benefits based on the deceased's work record. Social Security will discuss this during the death report call and mail information about how to proceed. The amount and duration depend on the deceased's age, work history, and the survivor's relationship to them.

What happens if checks keep coming after I report the death?

This is rare but can happen if there is a delay in Social Security's system. Return any checks received after the date of death with "Deceased" written on the back. If deposits continue to a bank account, contact your bank and Social Security when ready. Keep records of all returned checks and correspondence.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.