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 Connecticut
Connecticut programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Connecticut Department of Public Health
State Vital Records
The State Vital Records Office provides certified copies of Connecticut birth, death, and marriage records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Connecticut Department of Social Services
HUSKY Health
In Connecticut, Medicaid is called HUSKY A, C, and D.
HUSKY Health provides Medicaid health coverage to eligible Connecticut residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Access Health CT
Qualified Health Plan Marketplace
In Connecticut, the health insurance marketplace is called Access Health CT.
Access Health CT lets residents compare and enroll in health and dental insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Behavioral Health Services
DMHAS connects residents with mental health and addiction treatment and support services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services
Aging Services and Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Aging Services connects older adults and caregivers with support, counseling, and local services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Temporary Family Assistance
In Connecticut, TANF is called TFA.
TFA provides cash assistance to eligible families with children.
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
- United Way of Connecticut 211
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