When a loved one passes away, there are usually various arrangements that need to be made. One of the tasks to oversee will involve reporting the death to the Social Security Administration. If this process is not carried out, it could lead to confusion and extra tasks later.
Notifying Social Security about a death consists of the following steps: · Report the death by phone or in person. · Review Social Security payments. · Watch for the one-time death benefit. · Arrange benefits for family members.
Following is a breakdown of each step so you can carry out the reporting as smoothly as possible.
Report the Death to Social Security
After a loved one passes, you’ll want to let the SSA know as soon as possible. “You can ask your funeral director to do it, but you’ll have to give them the Social Security number, or you can do it,” says Karen Bussen, CEO and founder of Farewelling, which helps families plan after a death and is based in New York City. You can call the Social Security Administration or contact your local Social Security office. You cannot report a death online. Be ready to share the Social Security number and date of birth of the deceased.