If you're wondering how to contact Social Security after a death, you're in the right place. Most of the time, the funeral home will report the death on your behalf, but if you arranged services independently or want to confirm the report was filed, you can reach out to Social Security yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Funeral homes report most deaths to Social Security, but you can confirm by calling 1-800-772-1213.
- Benefits stop the month of death; return any payments received for that month or later.
- You can report without a death certificate, but order between eight and 12 certified copies for other purposes and administrative needs.
- Elayne automates Social Security notifications and tracks deadlines across estate settlement.
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Reporting a Death to Social Security: Step-by-Step Process (January 2026)
In most cases, the funeral home will report the death to Social Security on your behalf. The funeral director needs the person's Social Security number to complete this notification. If you arranged a direct cremation or burial without a funeral home, or if you want to confirm the report was made, you can contact Social Security directly.
Calling Social Security
The quickest method is calling 1-800-772-1213. The line operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in most U.S. time zones. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY 1-800-325-0778. Wait times can be long, so it's a good idea to call early in the morning or later in the week.
Visiting a Local Office
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Schedule an appointment first by calling the number above or visiting the SSA website to find your nearest location.
What Information You'll Need
When you report the death, have this information ready:
- The full name of the person who died.
- Their Social Security number.
- Their date of birth.
- Their date of death.
- Your own Social Security number (if you're a surviving spouse or family member).
- Your relationship to the person who died.
Social Security benefits are paid in arrears. The payment received in any month covers the previous month. Benefits stop the month the person dies.
If someone dies in January, they were entitled to their December benefit (arriving in January). They're not entitled to January's benefit (which would normally arrive in February). If that February payment goes through, you'll need to return it.
For direct deposit, Social Security will contact the bank to recover any funds paid after the date of death. If the person received paper checks, don't cash any checks dated for the month of death or later. Return them to Social Security by mail with a note explaining the situation.
Returning overpayments quickly helps you avoid recovery proceedings or offsets against survivor benefits later.
You can begin the notification process without a certified death certificate in hand. Social Security accepts the initial report by phone, and the funeral home's report serves as confirmation.
You'll still need certified copies of the death certificate for many other steps. Experts recommend obtaining between eight and 12 certified copies from the state or county vital records office. These copies are required for claiming life insurance, closing bank accounts, transferring property titles, and accessing survivor benefits.
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Final Thoughts on Reporting a Death to Social Security
You now know how to contact Social Security after a death and what information you'll need to have ready. The funeral home often handles this notification, but reaching out yourself gives you control and confirmation. Watch for benefit payments that need to be returned, and don't worry if you haven't received the death certificate yet. You can take this step at your own pace, and you're making progress.
If managing a loved one's estate after their death, you're likely facing a mountain of administrative tasks and paperwork. Elayne is here to help. We automate estate administration, keep you organized, and make sure that nothing falls through the cracks during this complex process. Contact us today.
FAQ
What happens if the funeral home doesn't report the death to Social Security?
If you arranged a direct cremation or burial without a funeral home, or if you want to confirm the report was made, you can call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to report the death yourself.
Do I need a death certificate before I can notify Social Security?
No, you can begin the notification process by phone without a certified death certificate in hand. Social Security accepts the initial report, and the funeral home's notification serves as confirmation.
What should I do if Social Security sends a payment after the death?
Don't cash any checks dated for the month of death or later. If the payment was direct deposit, Social Security will contact the bank to recover the funds. Return paper checks by mail with a note explaining the situation to avoid recovery proceedings later.
How many certified death certificates should I order?
Order eight to 12 certified copies from your state or county vital records office. You'll need these for claiming life insurance, closing bank accounts, transferring property titles, and accessing survivor benefits.
