Widows/Widowers or Surviving Divorced Spouse's Benefits.If you are not getting benefits, you should apply for survivor benefits promptly because, in some cases, benefits may not be retroactive. We will check to see whether you can get a higher benefit as a widow or widower. If you are getting retirement or disability benefits on your own record, you will need to apply for the survivor benefits. We may be able to pay the Special Lump Sum Death Benefit automatically.We'll automatically change any monthly benefits to survivor benefits after the death is reported to us.If you are getting benefits on your spouse's or parent's record: If you want them to do that, you will need to give the deceased's Social Security Number to the funeral director so they can make the report. In most cases, the funeral home will report the person's death to Social Security. You can also contact your local Social Security office. You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 AM and 7 PM Monday through Friday. If you need to report a death or apply for survivors' benefits, call 1-80 (TTY 1-80). You cannot report a death or apply for survivors' benefits online. How Do I Apply For SSI? Survivors Benefits If you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), please read: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits You can apply online for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs. If you are almost 65 but you don't want your retirement benefits to start, you can just apply online for Medicare using the 'Retirement/Medicare Benefits' application.Įxtra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs

You can apply online for Medicare or continue an application you already started. If your application for disability benefits was denied recently for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online or continue working on an appeal you already started. You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started. If you are almost 65, your application for benefits will include Medicare. If you are eligible for a spouse's benefit and your own retirement benefit If you qualify for both retirement and spouse's benefits, please read: You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and want your benefits to start no more than four months in the future. You can apply online for Retirement or spouse's benefits or continue an application you already started. you can contact the Federal Benefits Unit that provides service to your country of residence. Please visit our Coronavirus page to see if you may be eligible for an in-person appointment.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visits to our offices are by appointment only for certain services.

If you cannot submit your application online: You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits.

Forms to go