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 Massachusetts
Massachusetts programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department of Public Health, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
Vital records
The Registry of Vital Records and Statistics maintains and issues certified Massachusetts vital records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Transitional Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
MassHealth
MassHealth
In Massachusetts, Medicaid is called MassHealth.
MassHealth provides health coverage to eligible Massachusetts residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Massachusetts Health Connector
Massachusetts Health Connector
In Massachusetts, the health insurance marketplace is called Health Connector.
The Health Connector helps residents compare and enroll in private health and dental plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
MassHealth Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Services
MassHealth behavioral health services connect members to mental health and substance use care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and Executive Office of Aging and Independence
Aging and Disability Resource Consortia
Also: Aging Services Network
ADRCs connect older adults and people with disabilities to local long-term services and supports.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Department of Transitional Assistance
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
In Massachusetts, TANF is called TAFDC.
TAFDC gives eligible families with children cash assistance and related supports.
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
- Mass 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