Someone died
What to do first
- Give the funeral home the person's Social Security number. They usually tell Social Security about the death.
- Order several copies of the death certificate. Banks and agencies will ask for one.
- Call Social Security to ask about survivor benefits.
- If the person served in the military, ask VA about burial benefits.
- If you lost health coverage, pick a new plan soon.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
2 years
Social Security death payment
A surviving spouse may get a one-time payment of $255. If there is no spouse, a child may get it. Apply within 2 years of the death.
Source: SSA.gov60 days
Health coverage
If the death means you lose your health plan, you can sign up for a Marketplace plan. You have 60 days.
Source: HealthCare.gov
Help from Delaware
Delaware programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health
Office of Vital Statistics
The Office of Vital Statistics issues certified copies of Delaware birth, death, marriage, and other vital records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Delaware, SNAP is called Food Supplement Program.
The Food Supplement Program helps eligible Delaware households buy groceries using monthly food benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance
Delaware Medicaid
Delaware Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Delaware Department of Insurance
Health Insurance Marketplace
In Delaware, the health insurance marketplace is called Choose Health Delaware.
Delaware residents use the federal Health Insurance Marketplace to compare and enroll in individual health coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Behavioral Health Services
DSAMH supports behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery services for Delaware residents.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
Aging and Disability Resource Center
The Delaware ADRC helps older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers find services and support.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SSA.gov
Survivor benefits from Social Security
A widow or widower, an ex-spouse, children, and parents who depended on the person may get monthly benefits. Call Social Security to apply.
VA.gov
Burial benefits for veterans
VA can help pay for a veteran's burial and funeral, and offers burial in a VA national cemetery.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Delaware 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988