Check whether the death has been reported

SSA says a funeral home will usually tell it when someone dies. Ask the funeral director about the report rather than assuming every family member must make a separate one.

If there is no funeral home involved, or it did not report the death, use SSA’s phone route. When you need help confirming what SSA has recorded, explain that the question concerns a death report.

Use the official contact route

Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. SSA’s current page lists representative assistance Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in most U.S. time zones.

SSA asks for the deceased person’s name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death. Provide these details only through the official SSA process. You do not need to send them to this directory to find an office or read these instructions.

Ask separately about family benefits

Reporting a death and making a new benefit claim are different steps. Some existing spouse benefits convert to survivor benefits when the death is reported. Other survivors may need an application. Ask SSA whether you need to apply or supply more information; a separate lump-sum death payment also has its own request rules.

If you want to ask about either, tell the representative. SSA determines whether a family member can receive a payment and what application is needed. Do not assume a funeral home’s report or a family relationship automatically completes that request.

Discuss payments received after the death

SSA’s family-death publication includes instructions about payments received after someone dies. Contact SSA and the financial institution about the particular payment before using it. Explain the payment date and the benefit involved.

Do not decide whether a payment belongs to a survivor solely from the date it reached the account. SSA’s rules distinguish the deceased person’s payment from any survivor benefit that may be due.

If the death occurred or you live abroad

SSA’s current death-reporting page provides a Federal Benefits Unit route and an international call-center number. It also directs people to report a U.S. citizen’s death to the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate.

Use the country-specific official route where appropriate. An international report may involve a different contact from a U.S. field office. Confirm the service arrangement before sending records or planning a visit.

Common questions

Must I report the death if the funeral home already did?

SSA says funeral homes generally make the report, so a separate report is not usually needed. Contact SSA if you need to clarify whether it was received.

Does reporting a death apply for survivor benefits?

A death report is not a universal application for every survivor benefit. Some existing spouse benefits convert after the report. Ask SSA whether you need a new application or additional information, and ask separately about a lump-sum death payment.

Related guides

Official sources

Source pages reviewed November 2, 2026. How this guidance is reviewed. Guidance and eligibility can change. Follow the live official service instructions for your circumstances.