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 Idaho
Idaho programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Idaho Vital Records
Idaho Vital Records issues certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible Idaho households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Idaho Medicaid
Idaho Medicaid helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Your Health Idaho
Idaho Health Insurance Marketplace
In Idaho, the health insurance marketplace is called Your Health Idaho.
Your Health Idaho helps residents compare and enroll in private health insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Behavioral Health Services
The Division of Behavioral Health provides information and connects residents to behavioral health services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Idaho Commission on Aging
Aging and Adult Services
Area Agencies on Aging connect older adults and caregivers with local services and support.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho
In Idaho, TANF is called TAFI.
TAFI provides monthly cash assistance to eligible low-income families.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn 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.
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
- 211 Idaho CareLine
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