Financial

Social Security Benefits

After mom passed away in August 2024, there were many things I had to take care of involving her estate.  One of them was to follow-up with on her Social Security Retirement Benefits and make sure the direct deposits stopped.  

It's extremely important to know and understand that, after a retiree passes away, the Social Security benefits stop.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) should be notified as soon as possible to avoid overpayments.

In mom's case, she passed away in late August and she had already received a Social Security Benefit payment for September 2024.  This was an overpayment according to the SSA that would need to be returned.

By October 2024, two months after mom passed away, the money had still not been returned to the SSA.  I contacted the bank and they said that there was nothing they could do.  The SSA would need to collect the money.  A few days later, the money was finally returned to the SSA.  I'm not sure if the bank did something or if it was just timing.

In any case, DO NOT spend the overpayment money.  The SSA will collect it even if it means your bank account goes into a negative balance.

Below is more informaton that may be helpful in your situation.

 

Last Payment & Notification

  • Social Security benefits are not paid for the month of death. If the recipient dies in February, the payment received in March (which covers February) must be returned.
  • Family members or the funeral home can notify the SSA. Many funeral homes report deaths directly.

 

Possible Survivor Benefits

Certain family members may be eligible for survivor benefits:

  • Spouse (if age 60 or older, or 50 if disabled; at any age if caring for a child under 16 or disabled).
  • Children (unmarried and under 18, or up to 19 if in high school; disabled children if the disability started before 22).
  • Dependent parents (if 62 or older and financially dependent on the deceased).

 

Lump-Sum Death Benefit

A one-time $255 death benefit may be paid to a surviving spouse or, if none, an eligible child.

 

 

For more information about the Social Security Administration, please visit their website.




Created: 09/12/2024
Updated: 02/08/2025