If a person receiving Social Security benefits dies on the last day of the month, what should be done with the check received the following month?

When a person receiving Social Security benefits passes away, the benefits for the month in which they died are generally not owed. Social Security checks are typically issued for the prior month, meaning that if a recipient dies on the last day of the month, the check issued the following month would be an overpayment, as it covers a month during which they were not alive to receive the benefits.

Returning the check and requesting a receipt is the correct course of action because it ensures that you have a formal acknowledgment of the return. This is important for financial accountability and record-keeping, as it helps to prevent any future issues regarding the overpayment of benefits. Keeping the check or depositing it could lead to complications, including potential legal repercussions for accepting funds that are not owed. Sending the check back without a receipt may also create uncertainty about whether the Social Security Administration received the return, which could complicate the situation further. Therefore, returning it with a receipt maintains clear documentation and responsibility in the matter.