You don't get paid for the month she died, whether it was at the beginning or the end of month. So if she died in December and they pay out that benefit in January, there would be no check for her in January.
She should NOT get a payment for January. If she does, LEAVE THOSE FUNDS RIGHT THERE because SS will come by to claw them back, trust me. My mother died in February and the VA came around in NOVEMBER to claw back funds from her account!
You should not receive anything for January because it covers December. Just like a job, you get paid after u work. If you do get a payment for your wife for January, do not touch it because SS will take it back. Her dying so close to the eom they may not be able to catch Januarys payment in time.
If you made more than you wife, no need to go to SS. If she made more than you, you may qualify for xtra money.
I agree that there are no prorated benefits and there can be a clawback of the last direct deposit.
Note that the surviving spouse is likely eligible to collect the larger of the couple’s two Social Security benefits, so it may be worthwhile to make an appointment at their office to see if that applies to your situation. Bring all paperwork, especially marriage and death certificates.
"What happens if the deceased received monthly benefits? If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death and any later months. For example, if the person died in July, you must return the benefits paid in August."
Social Security does not make partial payments. You should receive a benefit of $255 which is the death benefit.
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death and any later months. For example, if the person died in July, you must return the benefits paid in August. How you return the benefits depends on how the deceased received benefits: For funds received by direct deposit, contact the bank or other financial institution. Request that any funds received for the month of death or later be returned to us. Benefits received by check must be returned to us as soon as possible. Do not cash any checks received for the month in which the person dies or later.
My condolences on your loss.
If you made more than you wife, no need to go to SS. If she made more than you, you may qualify for xtra money.
Note that the surviving spouse is likely eligible to collect the larger of the couple’s two Social Security benefits, so it may be worthwhile to make an appointment at their office to see if that applies to your situation. Bring all paperwork, especially marriage and death certificates.
"What happens if the deceased received monthly benefits? If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death and any later months. For example, if the person died in July, you must return the benefits paid in August."
source: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyou.html
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death and any later months.
For example, if the person died in July, you must return the benefits paid in August. How you return the benefits depends on how the deceased received benefits:
For funds received by direct deposit, contact the bank or other financial institution. Request that any funds received for the month of death or later be returned to us.
Benefits received by check must be returned to us as soon as possible. Do not cash any checks received for the month in which the person dies or later.
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyou.html