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What to do when someone dies

Learn when and how to report a death, and what benefits we offer to eligible family members.

How to report a death

Funeral homes generally tell us when someone dies. So, you don’t typically need to report a death to us.

If a funeral home isn’t involved or doesn't report the death for some reason, you should call us and provide the name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death for the person who died.

Call +1 800-772-1213

Call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you're deaf or hard of hearing.

Available in most U.S. time zones Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in English, Spanish, and other languages.

Outside the United States

If you live outside the United States, contact a Federal Benefits Unit. If the person who died was a U.S. citizen, you should also report the death to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Benefits for surviving family members

Lump-sum death payment

A spouse might get a one-time death benefit payment of $255. If there’s no spouse, some children may be eligible, including those who are:

  • Age 17 or younger, or 
  • Ages 18–19 and in school (K–12) full time, or
  • Any age if they developed a disability at age 21 or younger.

A spouse who doesn’t live in the same home may be eligible if they can get benefits based on the record of the person who died.

You must apply for this payment within 2 years of the family member’s death.

Call +1 800-772-1213

Call TTY +1 800-325-0778 if you're deaf or hard of hearing.

Available in most U.S. time zones Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in English, Spanish, and other languages.

Survivor benefits

Certain family members may be eligible for monthly Survivor benefit payments.

See who can get Survivor benefits