Deceased Social Security Check

[Thrif-t]

Hey all my mom passed away in August. Our funeral director told me he would contact social security regarding her death and I wouldn't have to worry about it. Well September came and she got another social security check automatically deposited into her checking account. I called the funeral director and said you took care of that right cause I got another check. He said when the death certificate is issued it takes care of the social security checks sometimes it takes them a while to get it stopped, but don't worry they'll just come back and deduct it. Well here it is October and we got another one. Do I need to do anything? OR is it ok that I let the money sit there? I don't want to get in trouble and we don't use that checking account anymore and have set up an estate checking account but I had left this one open with a few dollars in it because it had mine and my moms both names on it. Thanks for any and all help.

[poundwise]

Social Security Online: Report a Death

Also, see the link at the bottom of that page, which presents more information including the following:

"If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death or any later months. For example, if the person dies in July, you must return the benefit paid in August. If benefits were paid by direct deposit, contact the bank or other financial institution. Request that any funds received for the month of death or later be returned to Social Security. If the benefits were paid by check, do not cash any checks received for the month in which the person dies or later. Return the checks to Social Security as soon as possible."

[Thrif-t]

Well that sucks we have to return the August check too? Even though she died in August. Geez thanks Social Security. I tried calling and of course they are too busy I'm to try later in the month. I just wonder what will happen if I do nothing. When will they figure it out? My funeral director said he did notify them. I have to do it again? Seems to me since the funds are automatically deposited they would come and just deduct them. So does anyone know what will happen if I do nothing? I only have 2 mos of checks in there the august one was used on the funeral. I just get frustrated with the inefficiency of these programs.

[Hot dog]

Sorry about your loss

[cptacek]

No, I think what this means: "If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death or any later months. For example, if the person dies in July, you must return the benefit paid in August."

is that the payment made in July was actually because the person was "living" in June. The payment for August would have been because the person was "living" in July...but if they died in July, the payment received in August would have to be refunded.

In your case, your mom died in August (sorry for your loss, by the way) so the September and October benefits would have to be sent back. Oh, and don't forget about the $255 benefit that an eligible person could receive.