How to Send Back a Social Security Check at Death

It is not uncommon for a Social Security check to arrive after the beneficiary's death. Perhaps the death notice didn't arrive in time to stop the check issuance. It is a rule that Social Security Administration issues checks at the beginning of a month for the prior month. The beneficiary must live through the entire month to receive the money. If he dies anytime during the month, the surviving spouse or a family member must return the check. His widow can apply for Social Security surviving spouse benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of death certificate (optional)

Instructions

1. Contact Social Security Administration as soon as you can and notify it of the beneficiary's death. Sometimes the funeral home does it on your behalf. Call the SSA and confirm that it has received the notification.

2. Write "Return to Sender" on the envelope if you didn't open it and take it to the post office. If you opened the envelope, put the check into another envelope, include a copy of the death certificate and mail it to the return address listed on the original envelope. You can also take the check to the local Social Security Administration office.

   Do not cash the Social Security check when you receive it in the beginning of the following month or at any time after the beneficiary's death. You must return it as soon as possible.

3. Notify your bank if the beneficiary had a direct deposit from Social Security Administration. Ask the bank representative to return the funds for the previous month. Contact the bank and look at the statements to see if any other deposits came in from Social Security. Request to return the money as soon as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Per Social Security regulations, a surviving spouse is eligible for a one-time payment of $255. If there is no surviving spouse, an eligible child can receive the benefit.

• The widow or widower, dependent children and dependent parents may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits. Contact the Social Security Administration for more information and to apply.

• Do not spend the Social Security check or deposit. The Social Security Administration will collect the overpayment. It can withdraw the funds from the bank or request a check from the estate of the beneficiary. It also can take the money from Social Security payments to the surviving spouse or child.

References

• Social Security Administration: What to Do When a Beneficiary Dies
• The Eldercare Team: Why Social Security Takes the Last Check Back When a Beneficiary Dies

Resources

• Social Security Administration