Report a Death of a Social Security Beneficiary

Overview

When a Social Security beneficiary passes away, the death must be reported to the Department of Social Security. Accordingly, there are certain steps that must be taken to cancel benefits or transfer the payments to an eligible survivor. Failing to report the death of a Social Security beneficiary can be problematic for a couple of reasons. First, any payments received from Social Security after the beneficiary passes away will have to be returned. Continuing to collect benefits after someone dies, even if that person was a spouse and the benefits are going into a joint account is a crime. Second, failing to report the death could cause a beneficiary to miss out on collecting Social Security survivor benefits.

What you’ll get

One may submit a copy of the original death or burial certificate online to the Department of Social Security. A death certificate issued by the Parish Priest is also accepted.

Eligibility

General eligibility criteria:

If you think you might be eligible to receive Social Security survivor benefits after the death of a beneficiary, there are some steps you’ll need to take to apply for them. The first is reporting the death to the Department of Social Security. You can also begin the application process at the time you report the death.

The heir/heirs may request to receive from the Department of Social Security the balance of Social Security Benefit/s which should have been entitled to the late beneficiary.

Deaths local notifications must also be registered at Identity Malta.