27 Sep My brother died. Can I keep his SSI from that month?

Q. If my older brother died in a motorcycle accident and he collected SSI disability and I’m his next of kin. Can I get his check for that month?
— Sibling

A. We’re sorry for your loss.

But the answer is no.

SSI disability benefits end when the recipient dies, said Howard Hook, a certified financial planner and certified public accountant with EKS Associates in Princeton.

In fact, he said, any benefit received in the month of death must be returned to the Social Security Administration. Also, if checks are received in subsequent months, they must also be returned, he said.

“If your brother was married at the time of his death, his spouse would be entitled to a one-time death benefit in the amount of $255,” Hook said. “While disability benefits end at the death of the recipient, certain family members may be entitled to survivor benefits.”

Siblings are not considered a class of family members eligible for survivor benefits, he said.

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This story was originally published on Sept. 26, 2023.

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