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 the District of Columbia
District of Columbia programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department of Health
Vital Records
DC Vital Records maintains birth and death records and provides eligible people with certified copies.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible residents buy food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Health Care Finance
District of Columbia Medicaid
DC Medicaid pays for health care for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority
DC Health Link
In District of Columbia, the health insurance marketplace is called DC Health Link.
DC Health Link lets residents compare and enroll in private health insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Department of Behavioral Health
Public Behavioral Health Services
DBH oversees mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and support services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
DC Office on Aging
Aging and Disability Resource Center Services
The District's aging and disability resource centers connect older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Department of Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides cash assistance and support services 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
- Answers, Please
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