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 Oregon
Oregon programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Oregon Health Authority, Center for Health Statistics
Oregon Vital Records
Oregon Vital Records provides certified copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Oregon Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP provides monthly food benefits on an Oregon EBT card to eligible households.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Oregon Department of Human Services
Oregon Health Plan
In Oregon, Medicaid is called OHP.
OHP provides eligible Oregon residents with medical, dental, prescription and behavioral health coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Oregon Health Authority
Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace
The Marketplace helps residents compare health plans and find financial help with coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Oregon Health Authority
Behavioral Health Services
OHA oversees behavioral health programs and helps residents find mental health and substance use services.
Ways to apply:Phone
Oregon Department of Human Services
Aging and Disability Resource Connection
ADRC helps people find long-term support options and services in their communities.
Ways to apply:Phone
Oregon Department of Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides cash assistance and services 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
- 211info
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