My husband passed away and how do I contact social security?
 

Hi all:

It is with much sadness that I tell you that Alan passed away on July 4th. He was on hospice with numerous issues. I hadnt seen him in 4 months due to the nursing home being on lockdown but as soon as he got hospice they let me go to him. I went every single day for 3 weeks. He went down to 120 lbs. He was very very sick with numerous issues. At the end he did not know me but he went peacefully.

So here's my question. He was buried in a jewish cemetery in 3 days. I have been told the health department contacts Social Security. I have tried calling them and asking my questions but can't reach anyone. I need to get my affairs in order and trying to find out how much money I will be getting. Some people have told me that I get some of his check, if he gets more than me, I get his check instead of mine. but I can't ask anyone at social security because the wait time on the phone is over one two hours.

My landlord is selling my house and I have 4 months to leave. I have to move anyway because I am on the second floor and my legs can't do this anymore so I need a walk in. The real estate will help me find a new place. This is very stressful for me. I just need some anwers.

There is no social security office opened because of the covid 19.

Does anyone have a clue what I can do?

thanks much. I'll be announcing his passing on the neuropathy forum.

Melody

Do you think you can call a Social Security office? Hope so.

:icon_sad:

Kitt

Call your local office and they will support you.

Melody, this is the number for National SSA. 800-772-1213

You may find the number for your local office on any recent communications they have sent in the mail?

Also, the funeral director can help you. Take care.

Kitt

The funeral director helped us with a list of things to do, who to contact after dad passed..

Even if you can't get a hold of SS right away, they will apply benefits, adjustments retroactively.

I have called that number till I'm blue in the face. I can't wait on the phone for an hour and forty five minutes. We'll see what happens.

Thanks to all to replied.

Melody

More info on the gov SS website
Survivors Benefits | SSA
Form SSA-1 | Information You Need to Apply for Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Divorced Spouse's Benefits | Social Security Administration

I'm sorry you've lost your husband. Dealing with Social Security is never easy, and when you're coping with a spouse's death, it's ever so much harder.

It's disgraceful but typical that you're having such problems getting through to Social Security.

It looks as if they're strongly urging everyone to use their Website before calling but supposedly if you keep trying, you should eventually get someone who can help. Dealing with Social Security takes a LOT of perseverance.

This link should take you to a section on the SSA Website (June 29, 2020) called "Can SSA help me by phone?"

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) | SSA

Im very sorry to hear about the death of Alan. You have my sincerest condolences.

no need to wait on the phone. you can call the 800 number and use the option of them calling you back at a certain time. it works! probably not the exact time but pretty close + or - 15 minutes

So sorry for you loss...We are all saddened to hear the news.

Make sure at some point get lots of copies of the death certificate, you will need them for all kinds of thing.

I finally signed into My social Security online. I got in. I selected Widow's Benefits. The whole thing is so confusing. but I did understand one thing. It said "once we receive the notice of a spouse's death, we automatically change the benefit amount you are receiving". or something to that effect. So if I read this correctly (and I did contact the funeral director's office and I was told to call Social Security (who I cannot get through to).

So I have done all I can do. I just have to wait and see if they contact me via letter or email or phone. I don't think they do things over the phone. I think they will mail me.

I did try my best, believe me.

Melody

I'm getting four copies. I have to pay for them.

Melody

Well, it's been weeks. Still can't get through to social security. They are selling the house I have been living in for the past 7 years. I have until October to move. I know I have rights but I can't get anyone to give me a straight answer because of this covid thing. No one seems to know. My landlord (who used to be my friend) has turned into the creature from the black lagoon. She texts me all the time to see if I found anything. I have to move in to an assisted living facility. I am in contact with the one I want to move into. It takes time.

I will have to wait for social security to do its thing because I still can't reach them. As for my landlord being a human being, well forget it. She texted me two days after I buried my husband saying "you are making my life hell, what if I contacted a lawyer tomorrow and evict you and you'll get 30 days". Who does this? All I did was tell her I had hoped she would have my back and maybe ask the new buyer if he would let me stay. omg.

Then the other day she actually texted me saying "Talk about friends, you didn't tell me personally Alan had died, but I bet you told your friends, didn't you, you had to tell my daughter to tell me". Talk about a mood disorder.

After I get out of here I won't be seeing my friends because the covid thing doesn't allow any visitors as of yet. I really don't care. I just want to get out of here, just walk out and just walk into the assisted living facility. I miss my husband. Just wanted to vent.

Melody

Sending positive LIGHT your way and sounds like a horrible thing with getting to S.S. My thinking with SS too, is that they are loaded more than ever with the Covid deaths... Good to vent, what else can you do now...you are trying so much....You need a big HUG..... C

So sorry to hear this. Things will work out. Take care. :hug:

Kitt

(((Melody)))
I am beyond shocked that your landlord is being so very cruel!

It seems that SSA has closed "in person" visits to their locations during the pandemic and so that's likely why their phone lines are so busy.
I know they have a lot of options for completing stuff online there so maybe you could try that to notify them about Alan and that would also get you surviving spouse benefits coming.

Do you have any other family or close friends who can help you through all this Mel? Or some way of being connected with a community social worker?