My Spouse or Partner Died
The death of a spouse changes your household income and benefit eligibility overnight. Some benefits — like Social Security survivor benefits — can be very substantial. Others, like Medicaid, require you to report the change within a short window. Acting in the weeks after a loss, though difficult, protects your financial stability.
What to do — in order
Contact Social Security about survivor benefits
Social Security pays a one-time $255 death benefit and, more importantly, ongoing survivor benefits to eligible spouses. You can receive up to 100% of your deceased spouse's Social Security benefit if you are at full retirement age, or reduced amounts as early as age 60. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 — do not apply online for survivor benefits.
Social Security program page →Report the death to all benefit agencies
Report the death to SSA, your state Medicaid agency, SNAP, and any other programs you or your spouse received. Failure to report within required timeframes (often 10 days) can result in overpayment claims. SSA often notifies other federal agencies automatically, but state programs may require separate notification.
Check your health insurance coverage
If you were on your spouse's employer health plan, you typically have 60 days to elect COBRA coverage or enroll in a Marketplace plan (qualifying life event). If you are now below Medicaid income limits, apply for Medicaid — it may be less expensive than COBRA.
How to apply for Medicaid →Check if you qualify for additional SNAP benefits
Your household size has changed, which affects your SNAP eligibility and benefit amount. Report the change to your SNAP agency within the required timeframe. If you were not previously receiving SNAP but your income dropped significantly, apply now.
How to apply for SNAP →Review VA benefits if your spouse was a veteran
Surviving spouses of veterans may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivors Pension, and other VA benefits. The DIC monthly payment in 2024 is over $1,600/month. Apply at va.gov or through a Veterans Service Organization.
Programs that may apply to your situation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Social Security survivor benefit?
At full retirement age, a surviving spouse can receive 100% of the deceased spouse's Social Security benefit. At age 60, the benefit is 71.5% of the deceased's amount. There is also a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255. The actual amount depends on your spouse's earnings history.
Can I receive both my own Social Security and my spouse's survivor benefit?
You can receive either your own Social Security retirement benefit or the survivor benefit — whichever is higher — but not both simultaneously. SSA will pay the higher of the two amounts. One strategy is to claim the survivor benefit early (as young as 60) and switch to your own benefit at 70 if it will be higher.
Are there benefits for surviving children?
Yes. Social Security pays survivor benefits to children under 18 (or 19 if in high school) of a deceased worker — typically 75% of the worker's basic Social Security benefit per child. There is also a family maximum. Apply for all eligible children at the same time.
I was not legally married but lived with my partner for years. Do I qualify?
Social Security survivor benefits generally require legal marriage. However, SSA recognizes some common-law marriages depending on the laws of the state where you lived together. Consult with SSA or a benefits attorney. Some states also have programs for domestic partners or long-term cohabiting partners.
If you are denied
Every major program has an appeal process. A denial is not the end — many are reversed on appeal. See our Appeals Guide for program-specific deadlines and strategies.