If a person receiving SS benefits dies on the last day of the month (a few hours before midnight, no less), is it true that SS does not pay ANY benefits AT ALL for the month of death? I would think they would at least pro-rate it, or have a policy that the person had to live at least X number of days out of the month, especially since they pay a month BEHIND and that money is owed to the decedent (or his widow) who actually lived the entire month, lacking a few hours (and in this case, a month that even had 31 days, not 30). Is it possible for the widow to appeal under these circumstances? This doesn't seem moral or ethical. It's outright stealing.

Hi,

Yes, that's true, at least with regard to benefits payable to the deceased person. A widow could file an appeal on that issue, but there'd be no basis for it because it's part of the Social Security law passed by Congress. Only Congress has the authority to amend Social Security law and regulations, so your concern about this provision would best be directed to them.

However, if any survivors (e.g. widow(er), child) meet the requirements for survivor benefits on the record of a deceased individual, they can potentially be paid a full month's survivor benefit for the deceased worker's month of death even if the worker dies at 11:59 PM on the 31st day of a month.

Best, Jerry