When a person that has been receiving SSD monthly payments dies, how is the last payment made?This question comes from Caroline. When a person that has been receiving SSD monthly payments dies, how is the last payment made? I heard that the last payment has to be returned, is that correct? Or is it prorated per day? Are the payments paid in advance for the month? Thank you. Asking for a friend, she has no computer. Caroline, Social Security payments are always made for the previous month; the deceased person may be due a check in the month that they passed away. Social Security views all Social Security checks like paper checks even if they are direct deposit--the entitled person has to be living on the day the check is paid (endorsing the check on the back with a signature). If the deceased person passed away before the date they were to receive their payment for the month, their check must be returned. If they receive a paper check, it must be taken to the local Social Security office, if the check is direct deposit the bank generally returns them. Social Security does not prorate checks; an individual must have been living the entire month to be entitled to a check for the month. For example, if Mr. Jones was receiving disability benefits and he passed away on June 25, there would be no payment due in July because he was not living the entire month of June. The priority order for payment of Social Security underpayment benefits (benefits owed to the deceased) are as follows: 1. Spouse either living in the same household at the time of their death, or entitled to a monthly widow or widower's benefit for the month of their death; 2. Child or children entitled to a monthly benefit on the deceased person's earning's record in the month of their death; 3. Parent or parents entitled to a monthly dependent parent's benefit on the deceased person's for the month of his death; The last three involve spouses, children, or parents who do not fall in any of the above mentioned situations. Your friend may be entitled to some kind of survivor benefit as well. Social Security pays a lump sum 255.00 death benefit and potentially other survivor benefits. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: If you do not have a significant earnings history, can you be eligible for disability payments? SSI disability when you share household expenses Receiving SSDI payments and working below the Social Security SGA limit If You Get Workers Comp, Will You Get Disability From Social Security? What Income Will Affect Your Disability Benefits? (Workers Compensation, Wages etc) When a person that has been receiving SSD monthly payments dies, how is the last payment made? |
