Notify Seguridad Social and claim survivor benefits

Why it matters

A surviving spouse/partner and dependent children may be entitled to a widow/orphan pension and a one-off death grant (auxilio por defunción).

How to do it

1. Notify the INSS of the death (pensions must stop; overpayments are reclaimed).
2. Ask about pensión de viudedad (widow/widower), pensión de orfandad (orphans), and the auxilio por defunción lump sum.
3. A surviving registered partner (pareja de hecho) may also qualify under conditions.

Do this first

• Register the death at the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) — within 24h