Grief Benefits
Social Security Benefits
When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, certain members of the family may be eligible for survivors benefits. Up to ten years of work is needed to be eligible for benefits, depending on the person's age at the time of death.
Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to:
- A widow or widower -- full benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60
- A disabled widow or widower -- as early as age 50
- A widow or widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased's child who is under age 16 or disabled, and receiving Social Security benefits.
- Unmarried children under 18, or up to age 19 if they are attending high school full time. Under certain circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren, or adopted children.
- Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled.
- Dependent parents age 62 or older.
Call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free "TTY" number, 1-800-325-0778.
Call or visit your local Social Security Office.
When you apply, please be ready to supply the information we need to approve your application for these benefits:
- Lump Sum Death Payment,
- Widow’s, Widower’s, or Surviving Divorced Spouse,
- Child's,
- Mother’s or Father’s, or
- Parent’s
Also, bring your checkbook or other papers that show your account number at a bank, credit union or other financial institution, so you can have your benefits deposited directly into your account. Direct deposit protects you from loss or theft of your check, and mail delays. The money is always on time and ready for you to use without a trip to the bank.
Veteran’s Benefits
Military veterans and their dependents are entitled to a variety of benefits depending on their circumstances. Contact the Veterans Affairs office to determine what benefits can he claimed and then gather the information required.
Before you can file you will need ’
- Certified copy of or original DD214 (Enlisted Record of Separation).
- Certified copy of or original marriage certificate.
- Certified copy of Death Certificate.
- Verification of amount of life insurance you will receive as a result of veteran's death.
- Paid receipts for funeral and cemetery expense.
- Paid receipts for hospital and doctor bills incurred by last illness, if applicable.
- Social Security number for yourself and your dependent children.
If the veteran or yourself was previously married...
- A certified copy of or original 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 certified copies of or original birth certificates for each.
- If 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 received for each of you.
If you already have a VA claim number…
- You must furnish the VA with the 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 going to the Veteran's Administration office. Once you have all the forms and information that apply to you, call the VA office and make an appointment to file your claim.
Your VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE Telephone Number is: (800) 827-1000
Benefits Checklist
Call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. Social Security benefits may include a one time benefit of $255 to the surviving spouse of dependent children. Check with your funeral director to determine what claims have already been filed for you.
Veteran’s Administration claim forms can be completed at a Veteran’s Hospital, the funeral home or cemetery: Contact your funeral director or the county Veteran's Services Officer to determine exactly what benefits have already been filed for.
Change the deed on your property and remove the deceased's name from that deed. This is done at the county seat where the property is located. You will need a certified copy of the Death Certificate for this.
Change the titles and registrations of your vehicles. This is done at the Division of Motor Vehicles. This includes cars, trucks, trailers, motor homes, mobile homes, etc. You may use a photocopy of the Death Certificate for this.
Contact all life insurance companies the deceased had policies with. Request a claim form or ask for help from the local agent. Sent in the claim form, the policy and a certified copy of the Death Certificate. If you need help, your funeral director can assist you.
Traditionally, life insurance companies require two documents to establish proof of a claim: a statement of Claim and the Certificate of Death (or attending Physician's Statement). Remember, though this is just a general statement, your insurance company reserves the right to request further information or proof if they deem it necessary.
When filling out the claim form, you should have the following information available:
- The policy number (s) and face amounts
- The full name and address of the deceased
- His/her occupation and last date worked
- His/her date and place of birth and the source of birth information
- Date, place and cause of death
- Claimant's name, age, address and Social Security number
There are several ways of settling insurance claims. In most cases, you may opt for a lump sum benefit, or you may choose to have the money paid to you over a time period of your choice. In the latter case, the bulk of the money remains with the insurance company and continues to gather interest. In either case, check with your insurance agent, financial advisor or attorney to find out which method would be most beneficial for your particular situation.
Contact credit card companies to notify them of the death. Some credit cards and charge accounts include a life insurance policy with them. They may want a certified copy of the Death Certificate. If the card is held jointly, find out what documentation is required to change cards into the survivor's name. Ask the credit bureau to assist you in transferring your spouse's credit into your name. They may also be able to assist you in determining any outstanding obligations of the deceased.
Make a prompt request for release from each bank or financial institution in which the deceased and you held a joint account. This is necessary before you can withdraw funds from that account. A bank will usually stop payment on all checks as soon as a death notice is published. The bank must also have the account cleared by the state tax authorities.
Change over all bank accounts and remove the deceased's name from those accounts: You may need a photocopy of the Death Certificate for this.
Contact any financial institution where the deceased had a loan and inform them of the death. They will be able to inform you if the loan was covered by credit life and what needs to be done to file the appropriate claim. A Death Certificate is often required.
Contact all sources of retirement funds that the deceased was receiving and apply for any benefits that are due to you.
Change all utilities from the deceased's name. It is a good idea to use only your first initial and last name when listing your name in the phone book. This will help avert any unwanted or prank calls. Many, if not all; of these accounts should be placed in a joint account with another family member to help in processing future estates.
Contact all health insurance companies to notify them of the death and stop coverage fees on the deceased.
NOTE: If a company requests a certified copy of the Death Certificate, but are not providing you with a benefit, allow the company to pay for their own certified copy, i.e., a life insurance company will pay the claim for life insurance, so you need to provide them with a certified copy of the Death Certificate; a health insurance company, on the other hand; just need to stop coverage. Allow them to provide their own certified copy of the Death Certificate if they require one.
Review your own insurance needs. Often, these needs can change after the death of a family member or other loved one. Good organization of your own insurance information can aid survivors at the time this information is needed.
If you have a large estate you may want to consult an attorney. If you use an attorney you will have to pay for their services, however; the help you receive may be invaluable.
Keep copies of the Death Certificate to send with your income tax returns if you still file.
Gather all of the bills together and make sure you are aware of all the credit obligations of the deceased. Many installment loans, service contract, and credit card accounts are covered by credit life insurance, which pay off the account balance in the event of the death of the customer.