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 Montana
Montana programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Vital Records
Vital Records Services
Vital Records issues certified copies of Montana birth and death records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households buy food using monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Montana Medicaid
Montana Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Montana Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
Cover Montana Marketplace Assistance
In Montana, the health insurance marketplace is called Cover Montana.
Cover Montana provides information and enrollment assistance for coverage through HealthCare.gov.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Behavioral Health Services
The department provides information about behavioral health treatment and support services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Aging Services
Aging Services connects older adults and caregivers with local support and resources.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary 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.
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
- Montana 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