Who Can Collect the Social Security Death Benefit? - AARP
Oct 10, 2018 · Only the widow, widower or child of a Social Security beneficiary can collect the death benefit. You can apply by calling Social Security or visiting a local office.
Social Security When a Spouse Dies - Guide to Survivor Benefits - AARP
Dec 5, 2025 · When a Social Security beneficiary dies, his or her spouse may be able to collect survivor benefits. Learn whether you qualify and how to apply.
How To Report A Death To Social Security - AARP
Oct 10, 2018 · Funeral directors can report deaths to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in most cases. Social Security provides a form for this purpose. In addition, vital-statistics offices in all 50 …
Do Children Get a Deceased Parent's Social Security? - AARP
Oct 10, 2018 · A surviving parent or other person applying for benefits on behalf of a bereaved child will need to provide proof of the child’s relationship to the deceased, such as a birth certificate or …
10 Facts About Social Security Benefits for Survivors - AARP
Apr 28, 2025 · A checklist of who is eligible to claim Social Security survivor benefits, which are calculated on the basis of a late loved one’s lifetime earnings.
Do You Have to Pay Back Social Security When Someone Dies? - AARP
Oct 10, 2018 · You can also report the death yourself by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213 or contacting your local Social Security office. Depending on your age and family status and your own …
How Do I Change From Survivor Benefits to My Own Social Security?
Oct 10, 2018 · You can file a claim for retirement benefits online, by phone (call Social Security’s national toll-free helpline, 800-772-1213), or at a local Social Security office. To apply at an office, …
Can Someone's Estate Get Their Social Security Benefits? - AARP
Feb 19, 2020 · To claim a payment owed to a deceased beneficiary, download and fill out Form SSA-1724 (pdf) as soon as possible after the death and send it to your local Social Security office.
Common-Law Marriage And Social Security - AARP
Oct 9, 2018 · If your state recognizes common-law marriage you may be eligible to receive Social Security spousal or survivor benefits.
Collecting Social Security Benefits as a Spouse - AARP
Dec 4, 2025 · Yes, you can collect Social Security on a spouse’s earnings record. You may be able to do this in the form of spousal benefits, or as survivor benefits if you are a widow or widower.