How to Report a Death to Social Security

When a person passes away, most people do not realize that they should contact the Social Security Administration to inform the agency of the death. In most cases, the death is reported by an agency such as the coroner's office, but this is not always the case. It is important that a relative or close friend of the deceased relay the information to the agency. The following steps will teach you how to report a death to Social Security.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security number
• First, middle, and last names

Instructions

1. Inform the Social Security Administration promptly after the death. Call [phone] to report this information over the phone. Give the deceased person's name and Social Security number.

2. Contact your local Social Security office and inform the person in charge of the death. This should be done as soon as possible when the office is open for business. Give the name and Social Security number of the deceased.

3. Ask the coroner to make the report to the Social Security Administration. In some cases, he or she will do this as a consideration to the family. You will have to give him or her the Social Security number.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not wait until you have a death certificate to make the report.

• If any monies are sent or deposited into the deceased's account, ask the bank to send it back or mail the check back. You can also return it to a local Social Security Administration office but get a receipt.

References

• SSA Reporting