Death and Social Security

Social Security benefits are paid in arrears. 

For example, the benefit paid in July is for the month of June. 

But what happens if the person died in June for example?

Social Security (SSA) would claw back the July payment as well as any other payments made after the month of death. 

Most people have their Social Security automatically deposited in a checking account.

SSA will take back the payment from the checking account. 

If the payment was made by check, do not cash it and return it to SSA as soon as possible. 

SSA does not have the authority to go into another account to recover any short falls.

How does SSA know a person has died?

Most mortuaries automatically notify SSA of a person’s death. 

States may also notify SSA as well as financial institutions. 

If a mortuary or funeral home is not used, family and friends may notify SSA directly.