Usually yes. Give the funeral director the deceased person’s Social Security number and ask whether the death will be reported. If no funeral home is involved or it did not send the report, call SSA yourself.
Why confirmation matters
SSA uses the report to update its records and stop payments to a deceased beneficiary. A missed or delayed report can lead to payments that must be returned. Do not assume that ordering a death certificate automatically completed the SSA report.
How funeral homes report
Funeral directors may use Electronic Death Registration. When that service is unavailable, SSA provides Form SSA-721, Statement of Death by Funeral Director. That form is for an authorized funeral director or representative, not for a family member to complete in the director’s place.
When the family must act
Call SSA if there is no funeral home, the director says it will not report, or you cannot confirm the report. Prepare the deceased person’s name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death. Use only SSA’s official contact channel.
A death report is not a survivor application
SSA may automatically change some existing spouse or child payments after it receives notice, but other people who may qualify must contact SSA to apply. Do not wait for SSA to contact you if you believe survivor benefits may apply.
Official sources
Related step
Follow the complete death-report procedure and review the Social Security Administration profile.