How to File for Social Security at the Death of a Spouse
If your spouse has died recently, you may be eligible for benefits from the Social Security Administration. You may qualify to receive a lump-sum death benefit as well as monthly payments. However, the SSA has eligibility requirements you must meet before you can receive benefits. To begin the process of determining your eligibility, you'll need to notify the SSA of your spouse's death and request an application appointment.
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Instructions
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File for SSA Benefits
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Notify the Social Security Administration office as soon as possible after the death of your spouse. You may do this by calling (800) 772-1213.
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Call the same number to apply for survivor's benefits. You may be able to have the application appointment over the phone, or you may choose to schedule an in-person appointment with your local Social Security office (see Resources below).
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Provide the information the Social Security office needs. According to the Social Security website, socialsecurity.gov, this may include your spouse's Social Security number and your name, your birthdate and place of birth as well as your spouse's, and the names and dates of birth of your spouse's children. You may also have to provide information about the deceased's former spouses if he was previously married, and details about any time he spent in the armed forces.
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Gather the documents the SSA requests as part of the application process. Depending on your case and any children involved, you may be required to submit birth certificates, military discharge documents, marriage and/or divorce documents and proof of income. While this may seem overwhelming as you mourn your spouse, the SSA will help you obtain the documentation you need if you have difficulty.
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Have your checkbook or other bank documentation ready. This will allow an SSA representative to assist you with setting up direct deposit of your benefits. Under direct deposit, benefits are deposited into your bank account and you don't have to wait for checks to arrive in the mail. However, you can opt to receive a paper check each month.
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Tips & Warnings
If your spouse was receiving Social Security benefits before she died, you'll have to return the payments she received during the month of her death. If you receive any checks after her death, you'll need to return them as well.
If your spouse was receiving her benefits via direct deposit, contact her bank and ask it to send the payments back to the SSA.
If you don't have a bank account, ask the SSA about the Direct Express card. You can sign up for this debit card and have the SSA deposit your benefits to it each month. Then, you can use the card to make purchases at stores that accept MasterCard or to withdraw money from ATMs. You can even use it to get cash at a bank. You may face transaction fees, however.
Your eligibility and the amount of benefits you may receive will depend on a number of factors, including your age, your ability to work, your spouse's age at death, the number of years your spouse worked and whether or not there are eligible children involved and in your care.
