How to Notify Social Security of the Death of a Beneficiary

Contact the Social Security Administration to inform the organization of the death of a loved one who was receiving social security or supplemental income benefits. Do not cash any of the deceased beneficiary's SSA checks that arrive after the beneficiary's death; send any checks received after the beneficiary's death to your local SSA office. In addition to the SSA, inform the beneficiary's bank or financial institution of the beneficiary's death.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Gather the required information. Before you contact the Social Security Administration, have the name and social security number of the deceased beneficiary on hand.
- 2
  
  Call the SSA toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- 3
  
  Inform the SSA agent of the death of the beneficiary. When you call the SSA, follow the prompts to speak with an agent. He will ask you for the name and social security number of the deceased beneficiary.