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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Vital Records
The Department of Health issues certified Pennsylvania birth and death records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Medical Assistance
Medical Assistance helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Pennie
Pennie Health Insurance Marketplace
In Pennsylvania, the health insurance marketplace is called Pennie.
Pennie is Pennsylvania's official marketplace for individual health and dental coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Behavioral Health Services
County behavioral health offices connect residents with mental health and substance use services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Aging
Area Agency on Aging Services
Local Area Agencies on Aging help older adults find services and support in their communities.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
In Pennsylvania, TANF is called Cash Assistance.
Cash Assistance provides temporary financial help 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.
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
- PA 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