I wish to report the death of my wife She has a Social Security number and was in receipt of Social Security benefits.
Q) I wish to report the death of my wife She has a Social Security number and was in receipt of Social Security benefits. I am also in receipt of Social Security benefits. I received an email from SSA.Comments@SSA.gov saying that I may be able to claim survivors’ benefits. I have tried many times to establish communications with SSA but without success. In particular I have not been able to communicate our Social Security numbers. I am an Australian citizen and I reside in Australia.
A) I’m really sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. While I can’t directly assist with official matters, I can provide you with some guidance on how to report the death and communicate with the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding survivors’ benefits.
Notify the SSA: It’s important to inform the SSA about your wife’s passing. You can do this by contacting the SSA office responsible for international operations. You can find their contact information on the SSA’s website. They will guide you through the necessary steps and provide you with the required forms.
Required documentation: Prepare the necessary documentation for reporting your wife’s death. This typically includes her death certificate, her Social Security number, and any other relevant documents. If you don’t have her Social Security number, provide as much information as possible to help the SSA locate her records.
Survivor benefits: The email you received from SSA.Comments@SSA.gov mentioned the possibility of claiming survivors’ benefits. Once you establish contact with the SSA, they will guide you through the process of determining if you are eligible for such benefits as a surviving spouse.
Communication with SSA: Given that you mentioned experiencing difficulties in communicating with the SSA, it’s important to persist in your efforts. Consider the following options:
a. Phone contact: Try calling the SSA’s international operations office during their business hours to discuss your situation.
b. Written correspondence: If phone calls aren’t successful, try sending a written letter to the SSA office responsible for international operations. Include your contact information, a description of your situation, and any supporting documents or information you have.
c. Appoint a representative: If you’re having persistent difficulties, you may want to consider appointing a representative who can assist you with the communication process. This can be a trusted family member, friend, or legal professional who can act on your behalf.
Remember, it’s crucial to establish direct contact with the SSA to ensure accurate and timely handling of your case. The SSA will guide you through the specific steps and requirements for claiming survivors’ benefits.