Do I need to return Social Security money received on September 2 and when mother died on September 23rd?

My father died on March 2. They did not take back the check that he received in March. In April they sent the $255 death benefit to my mother and had switched his SS check over to her.

No, you shouldn't have to return it - they shouldn't take it back. SS pays a month behind so the check you got on Sept 2 was for August. But their rules are nuts in general regarding this area if you ask me - my mom passed the 30th of August and the took back the Sept 2 check. Evidently she needed to live another 17 hours to keep that payment. You'd think they could at least prorate the money once someone gets to the 30th since some months have 30 days and others 31. After all SS withholdings were taken from every hour mom ever worked. Oh well, that's government for you!

Vic, Social Security would automatically take from your Mom's checking or savings account the amount of the check if it doesn't met the rules.

My Dad had passed in mid September, and Social Security automatically had grabbed the October check. My Dad's bank had sent the estate a notice.

No, they should not take it back. Sometimes they do, but it is a mistake when they do.