I have been looking for information that spells out exactly the rules for Social Security payment returns. How many days does one have to be alive to qualify for that month's benefits? I can't remember if benefits are paid in advance or arrears.

I know I've seen it somewhere. I tried the Green Book and a search of previous posts on BOL. The Green Book just talks in general terms.

We have a customer who died 2/1. Do we return this payment?

Thanks for your help.

My understanding is that the check dated 2-1 belongs to the deceased.. if they had passed on 1-31, they would not have rights to the check.

My understanding is (I just checked with our op dept) Social Security checks are paid in advance. If they pass away after the check was issued, they get to keep it. If they pass away before the check was issued, it goes back. But to be sure, call your local SS dept.

My opinions do not represent those of my employer.

Thank you. I'll keep looking for the citation. In the meantime, I don't have to worry about about a Reclamation.

From the SSA website:

Question
My mother, a widow, died in late April. Social Security tells me that I must return her April benefit (paid in May) even though she was alive most of the month. Why is this?

Answer
Social Security benefits are not pro-rated. To be entitled to a Social Security benefit check for a given month, the person must be alive the entire month. No benefit is payable for the month of death.

I tak this to mean that the payment received in the month of death is nto subject to return, because that was the benefit payment for the preceeding month.

That is correct JacFSB. Social Security Benefits are paid in arrears. Die on 2/1, keep the check. Die on 1/31, return the check.