You should contact the Social Security Administration and apply for benefits as soon as possible after your spouse’s death. You may apply in person at your local SSA office, by telephone (1-800-772-1213), or by visiting their website at http://www.ssa.gov.

If you call, representatives are available to speak with you weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The SSA recently unveiled http://www.ssa.gov/women, a website for women, providing basic social security retirement, survivors benefits, disability, and Supplemental Security Income benefit information pertinent to women.

The best times to call are later in the day, later in the week, and later in the month. If you don’t mind voice mail option menus, there is an after-hours voice mail system to handle a variety of questions and concerns. A word to the wise: keep a record of the name of the Social Security officials you speak with, the dates of your calls, and the subject of your conversations. This information may be useful in the future if your application cannot be located or you receive contradictory information.

The application process generally takes less than 30 minutes. You will be asked several questions, to determine your eligibility for Social Security and other government benefits.

You will be required to submit evidence to substantiate your entitlement including:

1. Evidence of relationship (marriage certificate, divorce judgment, etc.);
2. Birth certificates for all benefit applicants;
3. Proof of death (death certificate);
4. Recent wage information for the deceased;
5. Social Security numbers for all family members applying for benefits; and
6. Bank account information to initiate direct payment of your benefits to the financial institution of your choice.

The above list is not inclusive. The evidence required may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Photocopies of requested documents are not accepted. Original documents (or certified copies from the official agency that issued the original document) are required. Certified documents are usually available through the city or county clerk where the event occurred, and generally must have a raised seal of the issuing agency for identification purposes.

Original documents will be returned to you at the end of the application process. Do not delay filing your survivor claim simply because you don’t have the requested documents. SSA can assist you in obtaining any evidence necessary to process your application for benefits.

The SSA will usually make a determination as to your eligibility and monthly entitlement within thirty days of receiving your application and supporting documents. When benefits are approved, an award letter will be sent to you. The letter notifies you of your date of entitlement to benefits, payment due date, and benefit amount. The letter is an important document, and should be saved with your other important papers.

As a courtesy, funeral directors often notify the SSA of a worker’s death. Their call, however, does not constitute an application for benefits.

You must still make application as soon as possible to report your spouse’s death and indicate your intent to file a claim. Benefits are not retroactive! If you wait to apply, you may lose out.