Social Security

If you are getting benefits on your spouse's or parent's record when he or she dies, you should report the death to us. We will change your monthly payments to survivors benefits.

To report the death, call or visit your local Social Security office or call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

• We'll automatically change any benefits for children to survivor benefits after the death is reported to us.

• We may be able to pay the Special Lump Sum Death Benefit automatically.

• If you are getting retirement or disability benefits on your own record, you will need to apply for the survivor benefits. Call or visit us. We will check to see whether you can get a higher benefit as a widow or widower.

If you are not getting benefits, you should apply for survivor benefits promptly because, in some cases, benefits may not be retroactive. You can apply by calling or visiting any Social Security office or making an appointment through our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

When you apply, please be ready to supply the information we need to approve your application for:

• The Lump-Sum Death Benefit,
• Widows, Widowers, Or Surviving Divorced Spouse Benefits,
• Mother's Or Father's Benefits, (You must be caring for a dependent child of the deceased,)
• Dependent Child,
• Parent's Benefits (You must have been dependent on the worker for 1/2 of your support at the time of his or her death.)

Also, we may need to see the following documents:

• Proof of death (either from funeral home or death certificate);
• Your Social Security number, and the deceased family member's number;
• Your birth certificate;
• Your marriage certificate if you are the widow or widower;
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were born outside the United States;
• Your divorce papers if you are applying as a surviving divorced spouse;
• Dependent children's Social Security numbers and birth certificates, if available;
• Deceased worker's most recent W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax return;
• The name of your bank and your account number so your benefits can be directly deposited into your account.

  Note: If you do not have a bank account, you can sign up for the Direct Express® card program. With Direct Express®, deposits from federal payments are made directly to the card.

Public records like your birth certificate and marriage or divorce records must be the originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept uncertified photocopies. We will return the documents to you.

What If You Don't Have All Of The Documents?

If you don't have all the documents you need, don't delay signing up for Social Security.

In many cases, your local Social Security office can contact your state Bureau of Vital Statistics and verify your information online at no cost to you. If we can't verify your information online, we can still help you get the information you need.