How Do I Return the Last Social Security Check After the Death of a Parent?
When a parent who collected Social Security dies, he may still receive a check if the Social Security Administration has not been notified of the death. Although survivors of benefit recipients may qualify to receive these benefits, they may not accept payments in the name of a deceased parent. If you accept payments in that parent's name, you may be subject to criminal charges. You must contact the Social Security Administration and return your parent's check immediately.
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Instructions
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Write a letter to the Social Security office explaining that your parent has died and the check is being returned for that reason. Write "VOID" on the face of the check to ensure that no one attempts to cash the check. Place the check and the letter in an envelope, and send the envelope to the Regional Financial Center, U.S. Treasury Department. You can find the address on the envelope in which the check was mailed. Be sure to place the proper postage on the check so that it will be delivered to the address.
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Visit the Social Security office in your area. Notify a representative there that your parent has died and that you are there to return the check. You can find the address of the nearest Social Security office by calling 800-772-1213. When you return the check, a Social Security representative will give you a receipt. Save this receipt as proof that you returned the check.
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Notify your parent's financial institution if the Social Security check is direct deposited into the account. A bank representative can return the funds. It is important to also let the Social Security office know that the funds will be sent back.
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