Money & accounts
Notify the Social Security Administration
If the decedent was receiving Social Security, the funeral home usually reports the death. Confirm — and stop benefits to avoid clawbacks.
- When to do it
- Within the first month.
- Estimated time
- 1–2 phone calls, plus follow-up
What you’ll need
- Decedent's Social Security number
- Date of death
- Death certificate (some interactions require it)
Steps
- Confirm the funeral director reported the death to SSA. If they didn't, call SSA directly.
- Return any Social Security payment received for the month of death — SSA generally requires it.
- If you're a surviving spouse or eligible dependent, ask about survivor benefits.
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Related tasks
- Notify banks, brokerages, and retirement accountsEach financial institution has its own death notification process. Some assets pass to a beneficiary directly; others must go through probate.
- Open an estate bank accountYou'll need a dedicated account in the estate's name to receive incoming funds and pay debts. Don't commingle with personal money.
- File the decedent's final income tax returnThe final 1040 covers January 1 through the date of death. The estate may also need its own tax return (Form 1041) if it has income during administration.