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 Tennessee
Tennessee programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Tennessee Department of Health
Vital Records
The Office of Vital Records provides certified copies of Tennessee birth and death records.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Tennessee Division of TennCare
TennCare
In Tennessee, Medicaid is called TennCare.
TennCare provides health coverage to eligible Tennesseans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Behavioral Health Services
The department connects people to mental health and substance use services and supports.
Ways to apply:Phone
Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging
Aging Services
Area Agencies on Aging and Disability connect older adults and adults with disabilities to local services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Families First
In Tennessee, TANF is called Families First.
Families First provides temporary cash assistance and work supports to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn 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
- Tennessee 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