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 Nevada
Nevada programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Nevada Department of Human Services, Division of Public and Behavioral Health
Vital Records
The Office of Vital Records maintains and issues eligible applicants birth and death certificates.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Nevada Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food using monthly benefits on an EBT card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Nevada Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services
Medicaid
Nevada Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Silver State Health Insurance Exchange
Qualified Health Plans
In Nevada, the health insurance marketplace is called Nevada Health Link.
Nevada Health Link lets residents compare and enroll in private health plans and find out if they qualify for financial help.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Nevada Department of Human Services, Division of Public and Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Services
The division provides or connects residents with public behavioral health services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Nevada Department of Human Services, Aging and Disability Services Division
Aging Services
ADSD connects older adults and people with disabilities to local services and supports.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Nevada Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides cash assistance and services to eligible families with dependent 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
- Nevada 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