Social Security Benefits
After a death, families often have questions about Social Security: Who reports the death? Will benefits stop? Are surviving family members eligible for benefits?
The Cremation Society of Milwaukee will notify the Social Security Administration of the death as part of the arrangements. However, Social Security does not automatically determine or apply for all benefits that may be available to surviving family members.
If you believe you or another family member may be eligible for survivor benefits, you should contact Social Security directly.
CREMATION SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE
Who needs to report death to the Social Security Administration?
We Notify Social Security of the Death
As part of our service, the Cremation Society of Milwaukee reports the death to the Social Security Administration
You generally do not need to report the death separately.
However, reporting a death and applying for survivor benefits are two different things. Our notification does not serve as an application for benefits.
Who May Be Eligible for Survivor Benefits?
Certain family members may qualify for monthly Social Security survivor benefits based on the deceased person's work history.
Depending on the circumstances, eligible survivors may include:
• A surviving spouse
• A surviving divorced spouse
• Children
• Certain adult children with disabilities
• Dependent parents
Eligibility requirements vary based on age, relationship, disability status, the deceased person's work history, and other circumstances.
Social Security should make the final determination of eligibility.
One-Time Death Payment
Social Security may provide a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 to an eligible surviving spouse or, in certain circumstances, an eligible child.
This payment is not automatically available to every family.
Eligible survivors must apply for the payment, and Social Security determines who qualifies.
Monthly Survivor Benefits
Some surviving family members may also qualify for monthly Social Security survivor benefits.
The amount and eligibility depend on several factors, including the deceased person's earnings record and the survivor's relationship, age, disability status, and other circumstances.
Because every situation is different, we recommend contacting Social Security directly to determine what benefits may be available.
If the Deceased Was Receiving Social Security Benefits
Social Security benefits are paid according to specific rules regarding the month of death.
If a Social Security payment is received after the person's death, do not assume the money can be kept or spent.
Contact Social Security or the financial institution where the payment was deposited for instructions. Social Security will determine whether a payment must be returned.
Contact Social Security About Survivor Benefits
If you believe you or another family member may qualify for survivor benefits, contact the Social Security Administration directly.
Social Security: 800-772-1213
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. local time
Helpful Tip: Social Security reports that telephone wait times are generally shorter early in the morning (8-10 a.m.), later in the afternoon (4-7 p.m.), Wednesday through Friday, and later in the month.
If you may be eligible for survivor benefits, contact Social Security as soon as possible. The date you contact them can affect when benefits begin.
You can also visit the Social Security Administration online for current information about survivor benefits, eligibility, and how to apply.
What Cremation Society of Milwaukee Does?
We will notify Social Security of the death.
If you have questions about possible survivor benefits, the one-time death payment, or benefits for a spouse, former spouse, child, or dependent parent, Social Security will determine eligibility and assist you with the application process.
If you have questions about your cremation arrangements, please contact the Cremation Society of Milwaukee at:
Our phones are answered 24 hours a day.
Address
2729 S 108th St West Allis, WI 53227