What happens to Social Security payment received after parent died in nursing home?

I'm sorry for your loss. Social Security benefits are not payable for the month of death, regardless of what day in the month the person dies. Since your mother passed on October 1st, she was not entitled to the October payment (which covers September). SSA will automatically reclaim that payment once they're notified of her death. As for the death benefit, yes - you can apply for the $255 lump-sum death payment if you paid for her funeral expenses or if you're her surviving spouse. If you're just her child and not paying for funeral expenses, you might not qualify unless there's no surviving spouse.

my dad died last year and they pulled the money right back out of his account about 2 weeks after he died. they just do it automatically once the death is reported. dont spend that money or you'll be in trouble when they come for it!

You need to report your mother's death to Social Security ASAP if you haven't already. Call them at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. They'll stop payments and tell you about any benefits you might be eligible for. Regarding the October 3rd payment: That payment is actually for September (SS pays a month behind). Since she was alive all of September, technically that payment was correctly issued. HOWEVER, because she died on the 1st of the following month, SSA will reclaim it - that's just how their rules work. The money will be withdrawn automatically once they process the death notification. For the $255 death benefit, you can apply if you paid her funeral expenses. Bring the funeral receipts when you apply.

When my grandmother died last year, we had SUCH a hard time getting through to Social Security to report her death! Spent DAYS calling that 800 number and either got disconnected or waited for hours. So frustrating when you're already dealing with grief. The local office was booked out for weeks too. Just prepare yourself for that process - it's not easy.

Thank you all for the helpful information. I'll definitely report her death right away and prepare for them to reclaim that payment. I've gathered her funeral receipts for the death benefit application. It's a relief to know what to expect - this whole process has been overwhelming.

Sorry about ur mom. when my dad died the nursing home told social security before we even had time to call them!! the payment was gone from his account like 10 days later. they dont even warn you they just take it back.

Since your mother was on Medicaid in a nursing home, there's another important consideration. The state Medicaid agency may have a claim against her assets, including bank accounts, under the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program. You should contact your state's Medicaid office to understand their specific requirements. Being a joint account holder might complicate things, as the state may still consider those funds recoverable assets.

my neighbor told me the $255 death benefit is only for spouses not children is that true???

I was able to report my mother's death to Social Security today. They confirmed they'll be reclaiming the October payment. The agent also helped me apply for the lump sum death benefit since I paid for her funeral expenses. They said I'll receive a decision in about 30 days. Thanks to everyone for your guidance - it made this process much less confusing!