Form SSA-721, also known as the Statement of Death by Funeral Director, is an essential document used to update Social Security records after the passing of a worker.
This form ensures that Social Security benefits are stopped for the deceased individual and helps surviving family members know their eligibility for survivors’ benefits.
Table of Contents
Purpose
Form SSA-721 is primarily used when an Electronic Death Registration (EDR) report is unavailable. In certain regions or situations, electronic reporting may not be an option, making this form a critical alternative.
By submitting Form SSA-721, funeral homes help:
- Prevent improper benefit payments to deceased individuals
- Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the worker’s death
- Inform surviving family members about their eligibility for benefits
- Ensure taxpayer funds are protected by stopping unnecessary payments
A timely submission of this form helps avoid delays in benefit adjustments and reduces the financial burden on families during an already difficult time.
Role of Funeral Homes
Funeral homes play an essential role in the process of reporting a worker’s death. By submitting Form SSA-721 to the SSA, they assist families by:
- Ensuring the deceased’s benefits are discontinued
- Allowing families to focus on funeral arrangements rather than bureaucratic processes
- Helping the SSA update its records efficiently
However, funeral homes cannot cancel Medicare plans on behalf of the family. Families must notify the deceased’s Medicare plan provider to ensure proper closure of health care accounts.
Helps
Social Security offers survivors’ benefits to certain family members of deceased workers. Form SSA-721 helps speed up the process by officially notifying the SSA of the worker’s death.
Some family members already receiving Social Security benefits will have their payments automatically adjusted to survivors’ benefits. However, if survivors were not already receiving benefits, they must apply separately.
The application process cannot be completed online. Families must:
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to start the application process
- Visit a local Social Security office to submit required documents
Documents Required
To apply for survivors’ benefits, families may need the following:
- Proof of death (Form SSA-721 or a death certificate)
- Social Security numbers of the deceased and surviving family member
- Marriage certificate (if applying as a spouse)
- Divorce certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificates of dependent children
Ensuring that these documents are available can help expedite the processing of survivors’ benefits.
By knowing the importance of Form SSA-721, families can ensure that Social Security benefits are handled correctly and that survivors receive the support they need during a challenging time.
FAQs
What is Form SSA-721 used for?
Form SSA-721 is used to report a worker’s death to the Social Security Administration.
Who submits Form SSA-721?
Funeral homes typically submit Form SSA-721 to update Social Security records.
Can Form SSA-721 be used to cancel Medicare?
No, families must contact the Medicare provider to cancel the deceased’s plan.
Do I need to apply for survivors’ benefits separately?
If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, you must apply separately.
How can I apply for survivors’ benefits?
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office.
