It is always wise to apply for any type of Social Security benefit even if you are unsure you may qualify for the benefits because starting the benefit process can take time. A person’s circumstances may cause a delay in applying for benefits, but when a person is ready they should do it promptly. Below is specific information from Social Security regarding a special benefit type, survivor’s benefits. Below is the basic information Social Security provides regarding survivor’s benefits.
You should notify us immediately when a person dies. However, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online.
In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death to us. You should give the funeral home the deceased person’s Social Security number if you want them to make the report.
If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Although our offices are closed to the public, employees from those offices are assisting people by telephone. You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Social Security Office Locator and looking under Social Security Office Information. The toll-free “Office” number is your local office.
If You Are Not Getting Benefits
If you are not getting benefits, you should apply for survivor’s benefits promptly because, in some cases, benefits may not be retroactive.
If You Are Getting Benefits
If you are getting benefits on your spouse’s or parent’s record:
- You generally will not need to file an application for survivor’s benefits.
- We’ll automatically change any monthly benefits you receive to survivors benefits after we receive the report of death.
- We may be able to pay the Special Lump-Sum Death Payment automatically.
If you are getting retirement or disability benefits on your own record:
- You will need to apply for the survivors benefits.
- We will check to see whether you can get a higher benefit as a widow or widower.
