When a person dies, it doesn't always mean that their social security payments stop.
Depending on things like income and the number of people who depend on the person who died, Social Security checks may still be sent to someone else.
According to the Social Security Administration's website, if you work and pay into Social Security, some of your taxes go toward survivor benefits.
This means that your surviving spouse, children, and even your parents could get money based on how much you made.
Similarly, you and your family may be eligible for benefits based on the earnings of a deceased individual, provided that the deceased worked long enough to qualify.
When someone dies, the Social Security Administration should be notified right away. The funeral home is usually in charge of this.
If that doesn't happen, you'll have to call the SSA to report the death or apply for survivor benefits. You can't do either of those things online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday to report a death or apply for survivor benefits.
When you apply, you'll need to give the Social Security number of the person who died. If you die, the person who is left behind will need to give your social security number.
If your spouse or qualifying dependent was already receiving money based on your record, the government will convert that benefit to survivor's benefits when it learns of your death.
If the surviving spouse has reached retirement age, they can get the full benefit. Apply for reduced benefits at 60, or 50 if disabled.