PathAfter FAQ
Social Security and benefits
Focused answers for people handling the first days, paperwork, and follow-up steps after a death in California.
Start checklistCore after-death questions
How do I notify Social Security of a death?The funeral home typically notifies SSA. You can also call 1-800-772-1213. SSA does not accept death notifications online. Do not wait — payments must stop and survivor benefits must be applied for separately.What is the Social Security death benefit?A one-time payment of $255. It goes to the surviving spouse if they were living with the deceased, or to a child who was receiving benefits. It does not go to adult children or other family. Apply by calling SSA — it…What are Social Security survivor benefits?Monthly payments to a surviving spouse, dependent children, or in some cases dependent parents. Amount depends on the deceased's work record. A surviving spouse can begin receiving at age 60 (or 50 if disabled). Children under 18 can receive benefits now.What veteran benefits are available after a death?Burial benefits (plot allowance and marker), survivor pension for low-income surviving spouses, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the death was service-connected, and educational benefits for dependents. Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or your county Veterans Service Office.What is DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation)?A tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, children, or parents of veterans who died from a service-connected condition. Apply through the VA with VA Form 21P-534EZ. A county Veterans Service Officer can help for free.How do I get a veteran buried in a national cemetery?Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. Eligibility includes most veterans with honorable discharge. There is no cost for the burial plot, opening/closing, or liner in a national cemetery.What if they were on Medi-Cal?California's Medi-Cal Estate Recovery Program may file a claim against the estate for costs paid during the last years of life. This typically applies to people over 55 who received long-term care. The estate is responsible, not family members personally.What happens to their health insurance?Employer health coverage ends at death. If you were covered on their plan, you may be eligible for COBRA continuation for up to 36 months. If they were the primary policyholder for family coverage, act quickly — COBRA enrollment deadlines are strict.What about their Medicare?Medicare ends at death. Notify Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. If you are a surviving spouse, your own Medicare eligibility is separate and unaffected.What if they had a Medi-Cal plan through an HMO?Notify the HMO and the county Medi-Cal office. Estate recovery may still apply for long-term care costs. Contact your county's Department of Social Services for local guidance.