Someone died
What to do first
- Give the funeral home the person's Social Security number. They usually tell Social Security about the death.
- Order several copies of the death certificate. Banks and agencies will ask for one.
- Call Social Security to ask about survivor benefits.
- If the person served in the military, ask VA about burial benefits.
- If you lost health coverage, pick a new plan soon.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
2 years
Social Security death payment
A surviving spouse may get a one-time payment of $255. If there is no spouse, a child may get it. Apply within 2 years of the death.
Source: SSA.gov60 days
Health coverage
If the death means you lose your health plan, you can sign up for a Marketplace plan. You have 60 days.
Source: HealthCare.gov
Help from Arizona
Arizona programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Arizona Department of Health Services
Vital Records
The Office of Vital Records issues Arizona birth and death certificates through authorized application channels.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Arizona Department of Economic Security
Nutrition Assistance
In Arizona, SNAP is called Arizona Nutrition Assistance.
Nutrition Assistance gives eligible households monthly benefits to buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
AHCCCS Health Insurance
In Arizona, Medicaid is called AHCCCS.
AHCCCS provides Medicaid health coverage to eligible Arizona residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions
Federal Health Insurance Marketplace
Arizona residents use the federal Marketplace to compare and enroll in ACA health plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
Behavioral Health Services
AHCCCS members can receive behavioral health services through their health plan and local providers.
Arizona Department of Economic Security
Aging and Adult Services
Aging and Adult Services connects older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to support and resources.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Arizona Department of Economic Security
Cash Assistance
Cash Assistance provides temporary financial help to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SSA.gov
Survivor benefits from Social Security
A widow or widower, an ex-spouse, children, and parents who depended on the person may get monthly benefits. Call Social Security to apply.
VA.gov
Burial benefits for veterans
VA can help pay for a veteran's burial and funeral, and offers burial in a VA national cemetery.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Arizona 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988