Phone number: 1-800-772-1213. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–7pm local time. Call early morning or midweek — wait times are long.
Have ready:
Your loved one’s Social Security number
Your Social Security number
The date of death
Your loved one’s bank account information where benefits were deposited
Social Security cannot accept death reports online or by mail — it must be done by phone or in person. If the funeral home reported the death, Social Security may already know. Do not assume — call to confirm. If your loved one received a Social Security payment for the month they died, that payment must be returned. Do not spend it. If deposited by direct deposit, Social Security will automatically withdraw it. If it arrived by check, do not cash it. If you are a surviving spouse, you may be entitled to a one-time death benefit of $255 and ongoing survivor benefits. This call is where that process begins.
You don’t need to follow this word for word. It’s a guide — not a performance.
If they ask “Was the deceased receiving Social Security benefits?” Say: “Yes, they were receiving [retirement/disability/SSI] benefits deposited to [bank name].”
If they ask “Was the payment already deposited?” Say: “I believe so / I’m not sure — can you tell me what I need to do about that payment?”
If you are a surviving spouse, also say: “I’d also like to ask about survivor benefits. Can you tell me what I may be entitled to and how to apply?”
Before hanging up, always ask: “Is there anything else I need to do or any other offices I need to notify?” “Can I get a reference number for this call?”
Date and time of call
Name of representative
Reference number
What they said about the payment
Next steps and any appointment scheduled