Quote:
Originally Posted by Becca9800
Hey All, this is a great subject matter but I'm left confused by the responses. Core question... Does the SS check received in the month of my death need to be returned to the SSA? It is my understanding that the check I receive on the 4th Wed of the month is actually payment for the next month. So if I die in January, the January check received should be returned. Do I have that right? But if I die on or after Feb 1, that check received in Jan can legally become part of my estate. Is that correct?
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Any check received after a person dies must be returned to the SSA, regardless of which month it was payment for. A deceased person cannot legally receive or cash a check, so it must be returned. The heirs may have a claim for additional money from SSA, but it cannot come from money sent to a deceased person's bank account. That is the law.