1 attribute of managing a loved i's concluding affairs that most people aren't familiar with is how to handle their final Social Security retirement benefits check. Surviving family unit members oft incorrectly assume that the estate is entitled to go along the beneficiary's final payment or that information technology can exist spent on things similar funeral expenses. The truth is that a senior's terminal cheque unremarkably must be returned to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Understanding the Timing of Social Security Payments

Social Security retirement benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due. For instance, a senior's January benefit is received in February, Feb'due south benefit is direct-deposited in March and and so on. Information technology'due south of import to understand that the SSA merely pays benefits for a specific month if the beneficiary was alive for the entirety of that month.

For instance, if your mom received her SS payment on April 10 and she passes abroad on April 29, then her manor is allowed to continue that bank check because it is actually payment for the month of March. Notwithstanding, if her next check is automatically direct-deposited in May, it volition need to be returned. This is because that cheque is for the calendar month of April, and the SSA does not pay benefits for the month of a casher'south decease.

How to Notify Social Security of a Expiry

The SSA should be notified immediately upon the passing of a beneficiary. Most funeral homes will accept care of this on behalf of the surviving family if they provide the late beneficiary'south Social Security number. Ultimately, withal, information technology is the survivor's responsibleness to ensure the decease is reported every bit shortly as possible, particularly if they are acting in the role of representative payee.

Report a death to Social Security by calling cost-free at ane-800-772-1213 (TTY ane-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Mon through Fri or past visiting a local Social Security part. While the SSA has fabricated many features and services available on their website, it is not currently possible to make a Social Security decease notification online.

Note that the SSA suspended face-to-face service to the public on March 17, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. In-person appointments are simply available in limited, disquisitional situations, simply local Social Security offices are able to assistance via phone and fax. To find your local SSA field function's contact information, visit SSA.gov.

Returning Social Security Payments After Death

Prompt notification allows the SSA to finish paying benefits as soon as possible, minimizing the likelihood of confusion over whether a late beneficiary'south last check must exist returned or non. If the SSA does happen to make a payment for the calendar month of a casher's death, exercise not spend information technology. If a deceased loved one received their benefits in cheque grade, do not cash whatsoever checks for the month of their death or later. Instead, return them to the SSA every bit soon as possible.

If a late beneficiary had bundled for their payments to be directly deposited into a banking concern account, this can speed upwards the returns procedure significantly. However, countless surviving family members have unknowingly spent these last payments and been caught off baby-sit when the amount of the payment is automatically withdrawn from the straight eolith account and returned to the SSA by the financial institution. Go on in mind that the SSA does not prorate the beneficiary'south payment for the month of death either.

According to the SSA, "If a benefit payment is received by direct deposit, contact the depository financial institution or other financial establishment equally shortly as possible and ask them to return whatsoever funds received for the month of expiry or subsequently." Acting rapidly will help surviving families avert any financial confusion during an already difficult time.

Applying for Social Security Survivors Benefits

Reporting a beneficiary'south death is also an of import stride in determining if any surviving family members are entitled to benefits based on the beneficiary's work history. In some cases, survivors benefits are not paid retroactively and a person must gather data and documents to apply, so don't delay. For more information on survivors benefits and other Social Security programs, visit the SSA website.