Social Security still wants a certified copy

Social Security says funeral homes generally report a death, so you typically do not need to report it yourself. USA.gov says you can give the Social Security number to the funeral director for that report. If you report it yourself, by phone or in person, you may start without the death certificate. You will need it later to finish the report. Social Security does not take a death report by email or online. The public number is 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778.

What the paper is for

• The survivor sheet on form SSA-721 lists a death certificate, and says the funeral director's statement can generally be used for that purpose.
• The same sheet says to bring original documents or copies certified by the custodian of the record. Social Security makes photocopies and returns the documents.
• The Social Security Handbook lists a certified copy of a public record of death as one way to prove death. A funeral director's statement is also on that list. One does not cancel the other until the office says so.
• Do not hand your only certified copy to a bank and then arrive at the field office empty-handed. Set one aside. If they photocopy it and give it back, you still have it.

This desk does not say who may receive a payment and does not give benefit advice. It does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Call the local office, or 1-800-772-1213, and ask what paper they still need before you order a copy only for them.