Social Security benefits are not paid for the month in which an individual dies. Example: An individual receives a Social Security check in June for the month of May and dies after the receipt of that payment. The individual would be entitled to the check received in June (May's payment) because the individual lived throughout the month of May. However, the check issued in July (for the month of June) would have to be returned to Social Security because the individual did not live throughout the month of June.
How to Report a Death
A family member or other person responsible for the beneficiary's affairs should do the following:
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Promptly notify Social Security of the beneficiary's death by calling us at 1-800-772-1212 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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If monthly benefits were paid via direct deposit, notify the bank or other financial institution of the beneficiary's death. Request that any funds received for the month of death and later be returned to Social Security as soon as possible.
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If benefits were paid by check, DO NOT CASH any checks received for the month in which the beneficiary died or thereafter. Return the checks to Social Security as soon as possible.
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