Social Security rules regarding benefits for the month of death

Under Social Security law, benefits are not paid for the month in which a beneficiary dies, as benefits are not issued for partial months. Any payment received during the month of death is legally considered payment for the preceding month.

For example, a Social Security payment received in December is actually for the month of November. Any benefits paid in the month following a death—such as a January payment intended for the month of December—must be returned to the Social Security Administration. This rule applies even if the individual survives until the final moments of the month.

Surviving spouses may be eligible for a one-time lump sum death benefit of $255, provided they meet eligibility requirements, and may also qualify for surviving spouse benefits depending on their own retirement amounts.