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 information online , we can still help you get t

user: hi, thanks for having me. I'm in need to know what occurs when i report a family member death?

assistant: Are you asking to get benefits for your spouse's or parent's record?

user: No, it doesn't have anything to do with those.

assistant: Are you asking to get benefits for retirement or disability on your own?

user: Neither, i'm not planning any retirement or have any disability.

assistant: Then, Are you asking because currently you are not getting any benefits? 

user: Yeah, now we are talking. That's the one.

assistant: Good. If that last situation fits you, you should look to apply for survivors benefits asap. I'm telling you this, because there are cases in which benefits may not be retroactive.

user: Oh, i see, and doesn't like how it sounds. I suppose i need to get into it. Anyway, what documents would i need to apply?

assistant: Well, required documentation would depend on the benefit you will be applying, for example, Widows / Widower or surviving divorced spouse's benefits or child's benefits.

assistant: Are you in possession of all documentation?

user: Yeah, i've been collecting those for a while.

assistant: Perfect. Then don't take more time, and go apply for Social Security asap.