Call the SSA, they are happy to explain how they deal with this situation.
My moms credit union sent her SS check back when it was her estates to keep, because SS is ALWAYS paid a month in the arrears. Then SSA wants a form that takes more time to fill out then it's worth. I figure if they are that dirty and desperate they can keep the check.
You are NOT liable for her bills, however, her estate is. So any monies without beneficiaries would be used to pay her outstanding bills.
I am so sorry for your loss. May The Lord give you wisdom, strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Real, in our most recent death, while SSA had already released the claim in writing, it was the bank that held up the funds in case SSA wanted to do a claw back. It took several back and forth ping pong visits between SSA and the bank because of that dreaded form -- which wasn't necessary and wouldn't get the funds released. Did you investigate if it was SSA that made the request or just the credit union assuming the payment needed sent back -- as many financial institutions do?
In general..with a few individual exceptions/caveats...don't spend it until you hear from SSA that you can...YMMV.
If the money is already in the bank before one dies, it gets kept. If the money isn't already in the bank when one dies, when the money arrives, SSA wants it back.
It is called clawing back when the US Government gives money and then takes it back. OP, it doesn't matter what month it IS FOR just what month it ARRIVES.
SS yanked the money back even after it was in the account, and the bank actually locked the account when they heard my dad had died until the SS had dealt with their funds.
It was only a couple of days until they pulled back the funds, but I was pretty angry since my mother and I were still on that account and had every right to access the rest of the funds in there.
I think you are safe. The check is for June and Mom died in July so her estate is entitled to it. But do not count ur chickens before they hatch. Since Mom receives her check this late in the month, SS may not deposit it. But that does not mean Mom is not entitled to it. If you don't receive it, call SS.
You are not responsible for Moms bills. Her estate is. If there is a will, then the Executor is now in charge and that person cannot file the Will with Probate until about 10 days after death.
Learned this from being a representative payee for my BIL, social security is a month behind so yes you can pay her bills. How I learned this was I got turned into social security for misuse of funds (which was unfounded) I got his social in Feb and didn't touch it but I asked social security they said that was January's payment so I could use it for the nursing home where he was.
I did find this on SSA website: The SSA cannot pay benefits for the month of a recipient's death. That means if the person died in July, the check or direct deposit received in August (which is payment for July) must be returned. Find out how to return a check to the SSA.Apr 6, 2023
By that info, it looks like the June benefit, paid to her in July, is hers to keep. The July benefit that would come in August would be returned. Refer to that info when you talk to SSA
You will most likely not receive the payment on 7/26. SS cannot pay someone who is not living. However, her estate representative can file a form with SSA and claim the payment. Her estate is entitled to the July payment as it's for June.
Her estate will be liable for payment of any bills.
You need to call the Social Security office immediately to report your mother’s death and they will give you the answer to this question that you have asked on this forum. Do not spend this money until you speak to them.
Grandma1954 July 30, 2023 4:47pm That last payment will be taken back. And pretty quickly YOU do not have to pay her bills from your assets, but whoever is closing the estate will pay the bills from moms estate. If there are no funds then be prepared to be sending copies of death certificates
The government is very strange when it comes to the public. When you apply for SS at 62, 65, or 66, they start paying you the following month. When you die they do not pay you for that month, even if it’s the last day of the month.
Be prepared, if her SS is direct deposit, I suggest leaving it alone because SS, may take it back. Some people get stuck with overdraft fees by using the money, and then SS, sends notification to bank to return the payment due to DOD. OR, depending on DOD , SS will automatically be notified of her death in some cases and, SS stops all payments automatically. You can also try calling SS to ask.
My moms credit union sent her SS check back when it was her estates to keep, because SS is ALWAYS paid a month in the arrears. Then SSA wants a form that takes more time to fill out then it's worth. I figure if they are that dirty and desperate they can keep the check.
You are NOT liable for her bills, however, her estate is. So any monies without beneficiaries would be used to pay her outstanding bills.
I am so sorry for your loss. May The Lord give you wisdom, strength and comfort during this difficult time.
If the money is already in the bank before one dies, it gets kept.
If the money isn't already in the bank when one dies, when the money arrives, SSA wants it back.
It is called clawing back when the US Government gives money and then takes it back. OP, it doesn't matter what month it IS FOR just what month it ARRIVES.
It was only a couple of days until they pulled back the funds, but I was pretty angry since my mother and I were still on that account and had every right to access the rest of the funds in there.
You are not responsible for Moms bills. Her estate is. If there is a will, then the Executor is now in charge and that person cannot file the Will with Probate until about 10 days after death.
Hope this helps.
By that info, it looks like the June benefit, paid to her in July, is hers to keep. The July benefit that would come in August would be returned. Refer to that info when you talk to SSA
Her estate will be liable for payment of any bills.
You need to call the Social Security office immediately to report your mother’s death and they will give you the answer to this question that you have asked on this forum. Do not spend this money until you speak to them.
That last payment will be taken back. And pretty quickly
YOU do not have to pay her bills from your assets, but whoever is closing the estate will pay the bills from moms estate. If there are no funds then be prepared to be sending copies of death certificates
You can also try calling SS to ask.
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