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 New York
New York programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records
The Department of Health issues New York birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for eligible requests.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP provides monthly food benefits to eligible households.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New York State Department of Health
Medicaid
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible New Yorkers.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New York State Department of Health
New York State of Health Marketplace
In New York, the health insurance marketplace is called NY State of Health.
NY State of Health lets residents compare and enroll in private health plans and public coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New York State Office of Mental Health and New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports
Mental Health Services
Also: Addiction Services
OMH oversees mental health services and helps residents find treatment and support.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
New York State Office for the Aging
Aging Services and NY Connects
Local aging agencies connect older adults and people with disabilities to meals, care, and community services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Temporary Assistance
In New York, TANF is called Family Assistance and Safety Net Assistance.
Temporary Assistance provides cash help to eligible families and adults with little income.
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
- 211 New York
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