Notify Social Security and claim survivor benefits

Why it matters

Social Security must be told (benefits stop, and an overpaid month is reclaimed). Survivors may be due benefits and a small one-time death payment.

How to do it

1. The funeral home often reports the death to the SSA if you give them the SSN — confirm whether they did.
2. You generally cannot report a death online; call the SSA or visit an office.
3. Ask about the $255 lump-sum death payment and ongoing survivor benefits for a spouse or dependent children.

Do this first

• Order many certified copies of the death certificate