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 Georgia
Georgia programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Georgia Department of Public Health
Vital Records
Georgia Vital Records issues certified copies of eligible birth, death, marriage, and other records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible Georgia households pay for groceries each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Georgia Department of Community Health
Georgia Medicaid
In Georgia, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance.
Georgia Medicaid helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire
Georgia Access
In Georgia, the health insurance marketplace is called Georgia Access.
Georgia Access lets residents compare and enroll in individual health insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Behavioral Health Services
DBHDD connects residents to mental health and substance use services in their communities.
Ways to apply:Phone
Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services
Aging and Disability Resource Connection
The ADRC connects older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers with local services and support.
Ways to apply:Phone
Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides monthly cash assistance 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.
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
- 2-1-1 Georgia
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