Arranging for Survivor Benefits from Social Security

Call 1-800-772-1213. It can take up to 90 days to process claims, so notify them as soon as possible. Provide:

• A certified copy of the death certificate
• The Social Security Number of the deceased
• The deceased’s employer’s name
• The deceased’s most recent W-2 forms or self-employment tax return showing earnings in the year of his or her death
• A certified or original copy of the birth certificates of the spouse and minor children
• Divorce papers if the divorced spouse is applying for benefits