Reporting a death to Social Security is one of the first admin tasks a family faces. Here is exactly who does it, the number to call, and what you will need.
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Reporting a death to Social Security is one of the first admin jobs families face. The good news: it is simpler than it sounds, and often someone else has already started it. Here is the quick version for 2026.
Who reports the death
- Usually the funeral home. They ask for the deceased person's Social Security number and send the notification for you.
- Your job: confirm with the funeral director that it has been done.
- No funeral home involved? Then the family has to report it. See below.
For the full order of first tasks, see what to do in the first 24 hours.
If you have to report it yourself
- You cannot do it online. There is no online death reporting.
- Call: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Languages: English, Spanish, and others
- Outside the US: contact your nearest Federal Benefits Unit
What to have ready before you call
- The deceased person's full legal name
- Their Social Security number
- Their date of birth
- Their date of death
Keep several certified death certificates handy too, since nearly every other account will ask for one.
Watch out for benefit payments
- Benefits are not prorated. The person must live the entire month to be owed that month's payment.
- Payments for the month of death (or after) usually must be returned.
- Paid by direct deposit? Ask the bank to return it to Social Security.
- Report promptly to avoid overpayments piling up and being clawed back later.
Money the family may be owed
- One-time death payment of $255: may go to an eligible spouse living with the deceased, or a qualifying child.
- Ongoing survivor benefits: a widow, widower, or dependent children may qualify based on the work record.
Details in our Social Security death benefit claim guide.
What to do next
- Notify Social Security (this step)
- Notify the credit bureaus to prevent fraud
- Close bank and card accounts
- Claim life insurance and other benefits
Our full sequence is in closing a deceased person's accounts. If the person served, also check veterans burial benefits.
The bottom line
- The funeral home usually reports the death, but confirm it
- No funeral home? One call to 1-800-772-1213 with four details does it
- Do it early, and return any benefit payments that should not have arrived