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 Minnesota
Minnesota programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Minnesota Department of Health
Vital records
MDH maintains Minnesota birth and death records and provides eligible people with copies and record services.
Ways to apply:PaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries using an electronic benefits card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Medical Assistance
In Minnesota, Medicaid is called MA.
Medical Assistance is Minnesota's Medicaid program and provides free health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
MNsure
Qualified health plan coverage through MNsure
In Minnesota, the health insurance marketplace is called Qualified health plan coverage through MNsure.
MNsure is Minnesota's marketplace where residents can compare and enroll in private health plans, with financial help when eligible.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Behavioral health services
DHS connects residents to mental health and substance use services through county and Tribal agencies and community providers.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Minnesota Board on Aging
Aging services and Aging Pathways
Minnesota Aging Pathways connects older adults and caregivers with local services, benefits counseling, and long-term care information.
Ways to apply:Phone
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Minnesota Family Investment Program
In Minnesota, TANF is called MFIP.
MFIP provides cash and food assistance to eligible families with children while supporting work and family stability.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn 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
- United Way 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