Overview

When a Social Security beneficiary passes away, the death must be reported to the Department of Social Security. Accordingly, there are certain steps that must be taken to cancel benefits or transfer the payments to an eligible survivor. Failing to report the death of a Social Security beneficiary can be problematic for a couple of reasons. First, since most of the benefits by the department are paid in advance, any payments received from Social Security after the beneficiary passes away will have to be returned. Continuing to receive benefits after someone dies, even if that person was a spouse and the benefits are going into a joint account is a crime. Second, failing to report the death could cause another beneficiary to miss out on collecting Social Security survivor benefits.

What you’ll get

One may submit a copy of the original death or burial certificate online to the Department of Social Security. The primary method of reporting is by submitting a copy of the original death certificate which serves as evidence of the individual’s death. Since this official document may take between three (3) to six (6) weeks to be issued , the burial certificate issued by the Parish Priest is also accepted. Reporting the death at the earliest is crucial to prevent the inadvertent continuation of benefit payments and to initiate necessary actions for any survivors. The death can be reported by any relative or other person, provided that the original death certificate is available.

Eligibility

General eligibility criteria:

If you think you might be eligible to receive Social Security survivor benefits after the death of a beneficiary, there are some steps you’ll need to take to apply for them. The first step is by reporting the death to the Department of Social Security. You can also begin the application process at the time you report the death.

The heir/heirs may request to receive from the Department of Social Security the balance of Social Security Benefit/s which should have been entitled to the late beneficiary.

Local deaths must also be registered at Identity Malta. The late beneficiary’s Identity Card is also to be returned at that office. If the late beneficiary was also the registered person for the residence’s Water and Electricity bills, the surviving relatives are to inform ARMS Ltd about this death as well.

How to access the service

Fill in and submit the application online.