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 Iowa
Iowa programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Vital Records
Vital Records Services
The Bureau of Vital Records issues certified copies of Iowa birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP gives eligible Iowa households monthly benefits to buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Iowa Medicaid
Iowa Medicaid helps pay health care costs for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
No state-run general marketplace; Iowa residents use the federal Marketplace
Health Insurance Marketplace
Iowa residents can compare and enroll in health insurance plans through the federal Marketplace.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Behavioral Health Service System
The Behavioral Health Service System connects Iowans to mental health and substance use services.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Iowa Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center Network
Area agencies and resource centers connect older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers with local services.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Family Investment Program
In Iowa, TANF is called FIP.
FIP gives cash assistance to eligible families with children while they work toward supporting themselves.
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
- 211 Iowa
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