Someone died
What to do first
- Give the funeral home the person's Social Security number. They usually tell Social Security about the death.
- Order several copies of the death certificate. Banks and agencies will ask for one.
- Call Social Security to ask about survivor benefits.
- If the person served in the military, ask VA about burial benefits.
- If you lost health coverage, pick a new plan soon.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
2 years
Social Security death payment
A surviving spouse may get a one-time payment of $255. If there is no spouse, a child may get it. Apply within 2 years of the death.
Source: SSA.gov60 days
Health coverage
If the death means you lose your health plan, you can sign up for a Marketplace plan. You have 60 days.
Source: HealthCare.gov
Help from Colorado
Colorado programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Birth and Death Certificates
The Vital Records office issues certified copies of Colorado birth and death records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Colorado, SNAP is called Food Assistance.
Food Assistance helps eligible households buy groceries each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Health First Colorado
In Colorado, Medicaid is called Health First Colorado.
Health First Colorado provides health coverage to eligible Colorado residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado
In Colorado, the health insurance marketplace is called Connect for Health Colorado.
Connect for Health Colorado lets residents compare and enroll in individual health insurance plans and apply for financial help.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Behavioral Health Services
Colorado covers behavioral health services through state programs and community providers.
Ways to apply:Phone
Colorado Department of Human Services
Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado
ADRC connects older adults and people with disabilities to local services and long-term support options.
Ways to apply:Phone
Colorado Department of Human Services
Colorado Works
In Colorado, TANF is called Colorado Works.
Colorado Works provides eligible families with cash and help preparing for work.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SSA.gov
Survivor benefits from Social Security
A widow or widower, an ex-spouse, children, and parents who depended on the person may get monthly benefits. Call Social Security to apply.
VA.gov
Burial benefits for veterans
VA can help pay for a veteran's burial and funeral, and offers burial in a VA national cemetery.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 2-1-1 Colorado
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988