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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Vital Records
The Wisconsin Vital Records Office issues copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
FoodShare
In Wisconsin, SNAP is called FoodShare.
FoodShare helps eligible households buy groceries using monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
BadgerCare Plus and Wisconsin Medicaid
In Wisconsin, Medicaid is called BadgerCare Plus.
BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid provide health coverage to eligible Wisconsin residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
Health Insurance Marketplace
Wisconsin residents can compare and enroll in private health plans through the federal Marketplace.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Community mental health services
Wisconsin counties deliver mental health services and can connect residents to local care.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Aging and Disability Resource Center services
ADRCs help older adults and people with disabilities find local services and understand their options.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Wisconsin Works
In Wisconsin, TANF is called W-2.
W-2 provides eligible parents and pregnant people with employment services and cash assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn 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 Wisconsin
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