Benefits Planner: Survivors | How You Apply 
We should be notified immediately when a person dies. However , you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits , call 1 - 800 - 772 - 1213 TTY 1 - 800 - 325 - 0778. You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required , but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone. 

When You Report a Death 
If you are getting benefits on your spouse's or parent's record : You generally will not need to file an application for survivors benefits. We'll automatically change any monthly benefits you receive to survivors benefits after we receive the report of death. We may be able to pay the Special Lump - Sum Death Payment automatically. If you are getting retirement or disability benefits on your own record : You will need to apply for the survivors benefits. We will check to see whether you can get a higher benefit as a widow or widower. If you are not getting benefits , you should apply for survivors benefits promptly because, in some cases, benefits may not be retroactive. 

Documents Needed to Apply 
Please select the benefit you will be applying for from the list below to see what information and documents you may need when you apply : Widows / Widowers or Surviving Divorced Spouse's Benefits Child's Benefits Mother's or Father's Benefits You must have a child under age 16 or disabled in your care. Lump - Sum Death Payment Parent's Benefits You must have been dependent on your child at the time of his or her death. If you don't have all the documents you need , don't delay applying for Social Security. In many cases , your local Social Security office can contact your state Bureau of Vital Statistics and verify your information online at no cost to you. If we can't verify your i

user: How do survivors apply for benefits?

assistant: We should be notified imediately once a person dies; but you can't apply online for survivor benefits.

assistant: Do you need to report a death or apply for benefits?

user: Yes, I need to report a death or apply for benefits.

assistant: Then you need to call 1800-772-1213 TTY 1-800-325-0778 and speak to a Social Security representative from 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or you can visit your local Social Security office.

user: What happens if you can't verify my information online?

assistant: We will still help you get the information you need even if can't verify online.

user: Can my local Social Security office contact the state Bureau of Vital Statistics and verify my information online?

assistant: Yes, in most cases the local Social Security office can contact your state Bureau of Vital Statistic and verify the information online at no cost to you.

user: When will I need to report a spouse's or parent's death if I am all ready receiving benefits?

assistant: You generally will not need to file an application for survivors benefits because we will automatically change any monthly benefits you receive to survivors benefits after receive the death report.  Also, may be able to pay a Special Lump-Sum Death Payment.