Dad just died - need help navigating SSA survivor benefits process
Hey everyone, I'm dealing with a really tough situation right now. My dad just passed away and I'm trying to figure out what to do next. Has anyone gone through this before? I'm not sure if I should be looking into survivor benefits or what other steps I need to take. Any advice would be really appreciated.
21 comments
Connor Rupert
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is never easy. When my mom passed, I had to deal with survivor benefits. First thing you should do is contact the Social Security Administration. They can guide you through the process and let you know what benefits you might be eligible for.
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Sophie Footman
Thank you so much for the advice. I'll definitely reach out to the SSA. Did you find the process complicated? I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now.
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Connor Rupert
It can be a bit overwhelming, but take it one step at a time. The SSA staff were actually pretty helpful. Just make sure you have all the necessary documents ready - death certificate, your dad's social security number, etc. Hang in there!
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Molly Hansen
Jumping in here - totally agree with contacting SSA. Also, don't forget to notify any pension plans or life insurance companies your dad might have had. Those can be easy to overlook in the midst of everything else.
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Brady Clean
Man, I feel for you. Lost my old man last year and it was rough. One thing I wish I knew earlier - if your dad was receiving social security benefits, don't cash any checks that come after his death. You'll have to return that money and it can be a headache.
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Skylar Neal
Sending virtual hugs your way, OP. 💜 Grief is tough, don't forget to take care of yourself too. As for practical advice, make sure to get multiple copies of the death certificate. You'll need them for various things like closing accounts, dealing with insurance, etc.
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Sophie Footman
Thank you for the kind words and advice. I hadn't even thought about needing multiple copies of the death certificate. How many would you recommend getting?
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Skylar Neal
I'd say get at least 10 copies. Better to have too many than not enough. Some places will want originals, others will accept copies. Trust me, you don't wanna be running around trying to get more in the middle of everything else.
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Vincent Bimbach
Hey, just wanted to share something that really helped me when I was in your shoes. I found this site (claimyr.com) that has a calling tool. It dials the phone menu, stays on hold, and waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to your phone. It costs $20, but it saved me hours of hold time when I was dealing with SSA. Here's the link: https://www.claimyr.com
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Kelsey Chin
Sounds kinda sketchy tbh. Is this legit? $20 seems steep for just a phone call.
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Vincent Bimbach
I get the skepticism, but it's totally legit. I was desperate after being on hold for hours and this saved my sanity. The time saved was worth way more than $20 to me.
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Norah Quay
Woah, this sounds like a game-changer. How long did it take for them to get through?
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Vincent Bimbach
For me, it took about an hour and a half. But I didn't have to sit there listening to hold music the whole time. They just called me when an agent was on the line. 👍
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Leo McDonald
Sorry about your dad, OP. Here's a comprehensive list of steps you should consider taking: 1. Notify Social Security Administration 2. Gather important documents (death certificate, will, insurance policies, etc.) 3. Contact your dad's employer if he was still working 4. Reach out to life insurance companies 5. Check for any pension or retirement accounts 6. Look into Veterans benefits if applicable 7. Consider consulting a probate attorney 8. Don't forget to cancel subscriptions, memberships, and recurring bills 9. Check if there are any outstanding debts 10. Take care of any property or assets Remember, you don't have to do everything at once. Take your time and don't be afraid to ask for help.
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Sophie Footman
Wow, thank you so much for this detailed list. It's really helpful to see everything laid out like this. I'll definitely be referring back to this as I go through the process.
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Jessica Nolan
This list is gold 💯 Saving this for future reference (hopefully won't need it for a long time tho
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Angelina Farar
ugh, dealing with bureaucracy while grieving is THE WORST. sending good vibes your way, OP. 🙌
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Sebastián Stevens
Has anyone else had issues with the SSA website? I swear it's down half the time I try to use it. 🙄
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Bethany Groves
omg yes! Its like they're using tech from the stone age or smthn. So frustrating!
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KingKongZilla
Pro tip: try accessing the site early in the morning or late at night. Less traffic usually means fewer issues.
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Rebecca Johnston
Just a heads up, be prepared for a lot of paperwork and waiting. The process can take months. Don't get discouraged, it's normal. Hang in there!
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