What happens to Social Security Disability benefits when someone dies?

When a person dies, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits in West Virginia end. A person receiving SSD benefits prior to their death cannot receive any further payments. Any payments owed to the deceased beneficiary will not be issued once the beneficiary passes away. Depending on the situation, any dependents or survivors of the beneficiary may be eligible to receive benefits in their stead. The person’s representative payee, or the person’s surviving spouse, is responsible for notifying the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the death. The representative or the surviving spouse must return any benefits they may have received on behalf of the deceased beneficiary, including any Social Security cards and bank statements. The SSA must also be notified if the deceased beneficiary had already applied for and was entitled to SSD benefits at the time of their death. All pertinent information and documentation should be provided to the SSA. If the deceased beneficiary was receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the SSA will review the case and may continue to pay benefits if certain criteria are met. Payments may also be provided to certain dependents and survivors of the deceased beneficiary depending on the situation. Eligible survivors may include the deceased’s spouse, ex-spouse, children, and/or parents. In order to receive survivor benefits, the survivors must provide documentation to prove their relationship to the deceased and apply for the benefits.

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