My sister-in-law passed away on June 30th at the age of 68. She usually received her Social Security check on the third day of the month via direct deposit because she had been on SSDI for many years. Will Social Security take back her July 3 benefit check, or is she entitled to it? If entitled to the check, what does her husband need to do with Social Security? Thanks for any information you can provide.

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, yes, Social Security will request return of your sister-in-law's July 3rd payment as soon as they are made aware of her death. The payment issued in July is for the month of June, and under Social Security law a person is not entitled to a payment for the month in which they die even if their death occurs at 11:59 PM on the last day of a month.

Best, Jerry