Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency that oversees the collection of payroll taxes, and the determination and distribution of benefits to eligible recipients.

This Social Security program operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Social Security and plays a vital role in providing monetary benefits and services to eligible individuals and their families.

After a death, the SSA can assist and support Surviving Family members in a number of different ways:

Survivor Benefits: when a worker who was eligible for Social Security passes away, the SSA provides survivor benefits to certain family members, including surviving spouses, dependent children, and sometimes dependent parents. These survivor benefits can help provide financial support to the surviving family members after the death of the worker.

Lump-Sum Death Benefit: the SSA pays a one-time Lump-Sum death benefit to the surviving spouse or dependent children of a deceased worker who was eligible for social security. The benefit is modest and intended to assist with Funeral expenses or immediate financial needs.

Social Security Number (SSN) Updates: to help prevent identify fraud and theft, the SSA will help update their records to reflect the death on the deceased's Social Security Number. This involves recording the date of death and other relevant information in the SSA's database.

The SSA will help surviving family members to apply for and claim survivor benefits. To get started, call the SSA at (800) 772-1213, Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 5:30pm EST. They will provide application documents, determine eligibility and help facilitate timely benefit payment.

It's important to contact the SSA soon after the death of a loved because it will take time to facilitate benefits and update records.