Dec
02
2012
By LoopdiLoop
Does SS stop immediately when someone dies? The reason I asked this is because my father died last year, and his 4th wife seems shady and my father was getting his SS monthly in his acct,. How do I know she never cancelled it and she is collecting it, and moved to another state and will have it transferred? She isn't old enough to collect - she is only 61. Also she gave away all of his stuff to her son. She has all of a sudden a brand new car, and left her home and pets to be w/her immediate family.
Basically, how does SS know if my father passed away and is it automatically cancelled?
Forums:
Reporting death of a Social Security beneficiary
Many funeral directors voluntarily provide death information directly to Social Security. But, family members of a deceased individual still have the legal responsibility to notify Social Security.
Although there's a good chance the SSA knows of the death, I don't see how it can hurt to notify the SSA yourself of the death.
Report the death by calling toll free, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please have the deceased person's Social Security number when you call.
Note that, depending circumstances, she may be eligible for widow benefits based on your father's account. Qualifying widows are eligible for (reduced) benefits as early as age 60.
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/332
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10008.html