How long do Social Security disability payments continue after someone dies?

When someone receiving Social Security Disability payments passes away, the payments will generally stop after the month of death. However, in some cases, certain people may be entitled to receive benefits on behalf of the deceased individual. These are called “survivors” benefits and may include spouses, ex-spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents. Survivor’s benefits are paid out only when the deceased’s Social Security Disability payments were the primary source of income during the month in which the individual died. To qualify for survivor’s benefits, the surviving family members must meet a few criteria, such as: being age 62 or older; being disabled; or being dependent on the deceased individual. The amount of survivor’s benefits will depend on the deceased individual’s Social Security Disability benefits and the survivors’ eligibility. Generally, the surviving family members will receive the higher of their own Social Security benefits or the deceased individual’s benefits. The monthly payment will then be adjusted to account for the number of beneficiaries. Likewise, the surviving family members may be eligible for a one-time lump sum payment (called “death benefits”) to help cover unexpected costs. In Washington, Social Security Disability payments will generally be discontinued after the month of death. However, certain surviving family members may be eligible to receive survivor’s benefits or death benefits in lieu of, or in addition to, the deceased individual’s Social Security Disability benefits.

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How long do Social Security disability payments continue after someone dies?

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