Social Security taking back my late father's February payment - is this normal?

I'm very sorry for your loss. Yes, unfortunately this is standard SSA procedure. Social Security benefits are not payable for the month of death, regardless of what day in the month the person dies. Since your father passed in February, the payment he received in February (which was actually for January) will remain. However, the payment he would normally receive in March (for February) will not be issued since he was not alive for the entire month of February. They don't technically 'claw back' the payment, they just don't issue the next one. If for some reason a payment for February is issued in March (which sometimes happens if SSA isn't notified of death promptly), then yes, they would request that money be returned.

When my grama died they took back her last check it was BS!!!!! The funeral home reported her death and the SS payment was GONE from her account the next DAY. we needed that $$ for her funeral costs!!

There's a lot of confusion about this topic. Here's how it actually works: Social Security benefits are paid in arrears, meaning the payment received in February was for January. Since your father was alive for all of January, that payment is legitimately his and should not be reclaimed by SSA. However, since he passed in February, there will be no payment issued in March (which would have been for February). If SSA isn't notified promptly about the death and accidentally issues a March payment, then yes, they would request that money back. The important thing is to report his death to Social Security promptly at 1-800-772-1213.

So sorry about your dad. SS pays a death benefit of $255 to surviving spouse or children if they qualify. Not much but it's something. You should apply for it right away.

Been trying to call SSA for THREE DAYS to report my uncle's death and I CANNOT get through. Constant busy signals or disconnects after waiting 40+ minutes. This is insane. Now I'm worried they'll say we didn't notify them in time if they accidentally issue his next payment. Any advice???

my condolences for ur loss. when mom passed we thought same thing but the January payment stayed in account (she died Feb) but no Feb payment came in March which was correct

One important thing to know: if your father was receiving Social Security benefits, you should check if you or any family members might be eligible for survivor benefits. This could include a surviving spouse, dependent children, or even dependent parents in some cases. The rules are complex, but it's worth looking into as these benefits can be substantial depending on your situation.

Regarding survivor benefits: Adult children aren't usually eligible unless they became disabled before age 22. For yourself, you wouldn't qualify for survivor benefits based on your father's record unless you're at least 60 years old (50 if disabled), or caring for his child who is under 16 or disabled. There are also benefits for surviving divorced spouses in some circumstances. If your mother already passed and had been married to your father at least 9 months, she would have been entitled to survivor benefits if she hadn't already been receiving her own retirement equal to or greater than his.

Did anyone help you figure out how to actually report the death to Social Security? I've been going in circles on their website trying to find clear instructions.

dont forget to ask funeral home if they reported it! ours said they would but didnt and it caused problems later