Money left unclaimed after a death is common — not because families are negligent, but because no one tells them what to look for. This checklist covers the major benefits categories and the deadlines that matter.

Social Security

Lump-sum death benefit

Social Security pays a one-time $255 death benefit to an eligible surviving spouse or, if no spouse, to eligible children. It is not automatic — you must apply. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office. Apply as soon as possible; there is a two-year filing deadline.

Survivor benefits

Surviving spouses, divorced spouses (in some cases), and dependent children may be eligible for ongoing monthly survivor benefits based on the deceased's earnings record. Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on age, disability status, and how long the marriage lasted.

  • Widow or widower, full retirement age or older: 100% of the deceased's benefit
  • Widow or widower, age 60–full retirement age: 71.5%–99% of the deceased's benefit
  • Disabled widow or widower, age 50–59: 71.5%
  • Widow or widower caring for a child under 16: 75%
  • Children under 18 (or 19 if still in high school): 75% each

Call SSA promptly — survivor benefits are not retroactive to the date of death, and delays mean lost payments.

Return any Social Security payment for the month of death

SSA pays benefits for the prior month. The payment received in the month of death (covering the prior month) must be returned if the person died before the last day of that month. If payment was by direct deposit, notify the bank — they will return it to SSA. Do not spend it.

VA benefits

If the deceased was a veteran, several benefits may be available depending on service history and cause of death.

Burial and funeral allowance

Veterans who were receiving VA pension or compensation at time of death, or who died in a VA facility, may qualify for a burial allowance of up to $796 (non-service-connected) or $2,000 (service-connected death). Apply within two years of burial using VA Form 21P-530.

Burial in a national cemetery

Veterans and eligible family members may be buried in a national cemetery at no cost, including the grave, liner, opening and closing, and a government headstone or marker. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Surviving spouses and dependents may receive monthly DIC payments if the veteran's death was service-connected. There is no filing deadline, but earlier filing means earlier payments.

Life insurance

To file a life insurance claim:

  1. Locate the policy documents — in the deceased's files, safe, or letter of instruction
  2. Contact the insurance company directly (not an agent) to notify them of the death
  3. Complete their claim form — typically available online
  4. Submit the form with a certified death certificate

Most insurers pay claims within 30 days of receiving complete documentation. There is no strict deadline to file a life insurance claim, but do not delay — policies can lapse into unclaimed property after years of inactivity.

Check for multiple policies: employer-provided group life insurance, individual policies, accidental death policies, and any credit life insurance attached to loans.

Employer benefits

Contact the deceased's HR department as soon as possible. Ask about:

  • Group life insurance — most employers provide coverage equal to 1–2x annual salary
  • 401(k) or 403(b) — balance passes directly to named beneficiaries; HR can initiate the claim process
  • Pension — if applicable, ask about survivor annuity options and deadlines
  • Unused vacation and PTO — most states require payout of accrued unused leave
  • COBRA — surviving family members on the deceased's health plan have 60 days to elect COBRA continuation coverage. Miss this window and coverage cannot be reinstated.
  • HSA funds — pass to named beneficiary; if the beneficiary is a spouse, the account transfers as-is
  • Equity and stock compensation — unvested shares may accelerate or be forfeited depending on the plan; ask HR for the equity plan administrator's contact

The COBRA deadline is strict

Sixty days from notification. Not sixty days from the date of death. Make sure you receive and respond to COBRA election paperwork promptly. If you miss it, there is no appeal process.

Other benefits to check

  • Union benefits — contact the union local for death benefits, survivor benefits, or pension information
  • Fraternal organizations — some organizations (Elks, Masons, Knights of Columbus) offer death benefits to members' families
  • Credit card benefits — some cards include accidental death insurance or travel insurance; check the card's benefits guide
  • Mortgage life insurance — some mortgages include a policy that pays the balance at death; check loan documents
  • State unclaimed property — if you discover the deceased had accounts or policies you can't locate, check your state's unclaimed property database