How to Notify Government Agencies After a Death
Several government agencies need to be notified when someone dies. Missing one can lead to overpayments you have to return, identity theft, or lost benefits. Here’s who to contact, what they need, and how to reach them.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Why: To stop benefits, prevent overpayments, and apply for survivor benefits.
How: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). You cannot report a death online.
What they need: The deceased’s Social Security number, date of death, and your relationship.
Note: The funeral home usually reports the death to SSA, but you should confirm and ask about survivor benefits (spouse, dependent children).
Important: Any Social Security payments received after the date of death must be returned. If payment was by direct deposit, contact the bank to return it.
Medicare / Medicaid
Why: To stop coverage and prevent billing for services.
How: Medicare is usually canceled automatically when SSA is notified. For Medicaid, contact your state’s Medicaid office.
Note: If the deceased had a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, contact those insurers separately.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Why: To cancel the driver’s license and prevent identity theft.
How: Contact your state’s DMV. Many states allow notification by mail with a death certificate.
Also: If transferring a vehicle title, this is done through the DMV as well. You’ll need the title, death certificate, and executor documents.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Why: A final tax return must be filed for the year of death.
How: File Form 1040 for the deceased, marking it as a final return. If you’re the executor, you may also need to file Form 56 (Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship).
Deadline: April 15 of the year following the death (standard tax deadline).
Tip: Consult a tax preparer. The final return can be complex, especially if the estate has income.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
If the deceased was a veteran:
- Call 1-800-827-1000 to report the death and stop benefits
- Apply for burial benefits (up to $2,000+ for service-related deaths)
- Apply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouse/children
- Request a presidential memorial certificate
- Arrange for a headstone or marker if desired
Other Agencies to Notify
U.S. Postal Service: Set up mail forwarding at USPS.com or your local post office.
Credit bureaus: Contact Equifax (1-888-298-0045), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and TransUnion (1-800-916-8800) to place a deceased alert and prevent identity theft.
Passport office: If the deceased had a valid passport, return it to the U.S. Department of State.
Voter registration: Contact your local election office to remove the deceased from voter rolls.
State agencies: Depending on your state — property tax office, professional licensing boards, state benefits offices.
Failing to notify Social Security can result in overpayments that the government will demand back — sometimes months later. Don’t wait on this one.
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