• Max A. Sass & Son's Funeral Home will file form SSA-721 with the local Social Security office. This notifies Social Security of death, and begins the process of stopping the deceased's monthly checks, and adjusting the spouse's monthly checks. You do not need to report the death to Social Security yourself.
• However, if you are applying for the lump sum of death benefit (available to the surviving spouse or minor/dependant child only), you must visit a Social Security office in person to complete the necessary application. Dial 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment.

• A check received on the third of the month following the month of the death must be returned.
• For checks received in the mail:


Return the check to the funeral home. We will return it to the Social Security Office for you and obtain a receipt for the check.

If you receive a joint check call the funeral home. We will take the check to the Social Security Office and have it stamped so you can cash the check.

• You should notify the financial institution of the death
• They will return a check electronically

• It will usually increase if the deceased spouse's check was greater.
• IN SOME CASES Social Security will automatically begin the process of adjusting the spouse's check after the receipt of Form SSA-2872.
• If both recipients are receiving benefits and are over the age of 65.

• Required that you contact Social Security at the listed numbers to apply for the lump sum benefits if recipient is eligible.
• As of September 1, 1981, this benefit was limited.
• It is now payable to:



• Surviving spouse of deceased wage earning
• Minor or dependant children of the deceased wage earner.

Special monthly benefits for minor or dependant children are available.

• It is best that you contact the nearest Social Security Office for help with the application.
• Some of the following documents may be required:



• Death Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Birth Certificate or dependants
• Doctor's proof of disability
• Proof of school enrollment for persons 18 years of age or younger.
• Copies of income tax returns or W-2s for the two years preceding death.
• Other___________________________________

• Social Security normally requires a certified copy of the death certificate only for the following:



• Dependant Benefits.
• Lump sum death benefits.
• Disability benefits when application has been made but benefit checks have not yet been received.

• Milwaukee Social Security Offices
  
  
  • 1673 S. 9th Street
    Milwaukee, WI 53204
  • 6251 W Forrest Home Avenue
    Milwaukee, WI
  • 1-800-772-1213
  • They advise that your initial contact be made by telephone, as most matters can be handled in this way, saving you a lot of time.
  • Their office is usually very busy the first few days of the month; avoid contacting them then.
• Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral Home (414) 645-4992 Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 to noon.