Social Security Benefits

Social Security should be notified as soon as possible when a person dies. In most cases, the funeral director will report the person's death to Social Security. You will need to furnish the funeral director with the deceased's Social Security number so he or she can make the report.

It is important to remember that SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS MUST BE APPLIED FOR: THEY ARE NOT PAID AUTOMATICALLY. Also, benefits must be applied for within a specific time frame. To facilitate the filing of a claim for your Social Security benefits, you will need most of the following documents:

-Death Certificate

-Birth Certificate of Deceased

-Social Security Card of Deceased

-Marriage Certificate (copy)

Some of the deceased's family members may be able to receive Social Security benefits if the deceased person worked long enough under Social Security to quality for benefits. Please read the following information carefully to learn what benefits may be available.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

A one-time payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if he or she was living with the deceased; or, if living apart, was receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased's record. If there is no surviving spouse, the payment is made to a child who is eligible for benefits on the

deceased's record in the month of death. Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits, including:

◦ A widow or widower age 60 or older(age 50 or older if disabled);

◦ A surviving spouse at any age who is caring for the deceased's child under age 16 or disabled;

◦ An unmarried child of the deceased who is:

-Younger than age 18 (or age 18 or 19 if he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or secondary school); or

-Age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22;

-Parents, age 62 or older, who were dependent on the deceased for at least half of their support; and

-A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances.

If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death or any later months. For example, if the person dies in July, you must return the benefit paid in August. If benefits were paid by direct deposit, contact the bank or other financial institution. Request that any funds received for the month of death or later be returned to Social Security. If the benefits were paid by check, do not

cash any checks received for the month in which the person dies or later. Return the checks to Social Security as soon as possible.

CONTACTING SOCIAL SECURITY

For more information call toll-free 1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call their TTY number, 1-800-325-0778) or visit www.socialsecurity.gov. They can answer specific questions and provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day. A Social Security representative can tell you what benefits may be payable and set up an appointment, if necessary, to file a claim. All calls are confidential. Social Security will make sure you receive accurate and courteous service.

VETERANS BENEFITS 

One of the more difficult tasks a survivor faces after the death of the veteran is completing the numerous claims forms for VA survivors' benefits. The anxiety and fear of the unknown - who to call, what to do, or where to go for help - can be an unpleasant experience. To help ease the burden and to ensure you will have the necessary details for filing a claim, here are some basic quick tips.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED

•Veteran's discharge certificate or DD 214

•Veteran's VA claim's number or Social Security number

•Veteran's death certificate

•Government life insurance policy

•Copy of all marriage certificates and divorce decrees (if any)

•Copy of each child's birth certificate (or adoption order)

•Veteran's birth certificate to determine parents' benefits

•If the veteran or yourself was previously married…

-A certified copy or original of the divorce decree or a death certificate proving the previous marriage was dissolved by divorce or death.

•If there are dependent children…

-For children under the age of 18 or over 18 and still in school, you need a certified copy or original of their birth certificates.

-For children over 18 and still in school, you will need VA Form 21-674 filled out.

•If either of you currently receive Social Security benefits...

-You will need to know the exact amount for each of you.

•If you already have a VA claim number...

-You must furnish to the VA the VA claim number you have been assigned.

•If either of you receive additional income..

-The source and exact amount of the benefit must be reported to the VA.

IMPORTANT

If you will qualify for Social Security benefits, you should go to the Social Security Office BEFORE coming to the VA Office. Once you have all the forms and information that applies to you, call the VA Office to make an appointment, to file your claim.

Contact the nearest VA Benefits Office at 1-800-827-1000 from any location in the United States

and Puerto Rico or visit www.va.gov. VA service representatives can answer questions about

benefits eligibility and application procedures. VA facilities also are listed in the federal government

section of telephone directories under "Veterans Affairs."