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 Florida
Florida programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Florida Department of Health
Vital Statistics
The department issues certified Florida birth and death certificates.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Florida Department of Children and Families
Food Assistance Program
Food Assistance helps eligible households buy groceries with monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Florida Department of Children and Families
Medicaid
Florida Medicaid helps eligible people pay for medical care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
Health Insurance Marketplace
Florida residents shop for individual marketplace health plans through HealthCare.gov.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Florida Department of Children and Families
Behavioral Health Services
DCF supports community mental health and substance use services through local providers.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
Aging and Disability Resource Center Services
Local ADRCs help residents find aging, disability, long-term care, and community services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Florida Department of Children and Families
Temporary Cash Assistance
In Florida, TANF is called TCA.
Temporary Cash Assistance provides short-term cash support to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn 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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
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
- Florida 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