Helps With Reporting
Family members may need to report a death or change in status to the right agency or benefit office.
End-of-Life Preparation Guide
Social Security / Veterans Benefits
Social Security and veterans benefits can be important parts of a senior’s financial and family planning. Keeping basic benefit information organized may help loved ones know what to report, review, or ask about when the time comes.
This page is for general organization only. Benefit rules can change and personal situations vary. Families should contact the proper agency or a qualified benefits professional for guidance.
What this page helps you do
- Organize Social Security information
- Record veterans benefits contacts
- Gather military service details
- List survivor benefit questions
- Prepare a printable benefits worksheet
Plain-English Explanation
Why organize benefit information?
Social Security, veterans benefits, pensions, and survivor-related benefits can affect a spouse, dependent, caregiver, or family member after a serious illness or death. When basic information is hard to find, loved ones may not know which agency to contact or what questions to ask.
This does not mean families need to keep every private detail in one place. The goal is to organize helpful notes, contact information, benefit sources, and questions so a trusted person can take the next step without starting from zero.
Some benefits may need to be reported, stopped, reviewed, transferred, or questioned after a death. Other benefits may involve a surviving spouse, dependent, veteran’s burial benefit, pension, disability benefit, or healthcare-related coverage.
Why It Matters
Benefit records can help loved ones avoid confusion.
A simple benefits worksheet can help family members understand what benefits exist, who may need to be contacted, and what documents may be needed.
Supports Survivor Questions
A surviving spouse or dependent may need to ask whether any survivor-related benefits are available.
Keeps Records Together
Service history, benefit letters, contact numbers, and account notes are easier to review when organized.
Information to Gather
What to include in a benefits folder
These items can help a trusted person ask better questions and find the correct office or agency when help is needed.
Social Security Notes
General benefit type, contact information, online account notes, and any letters or notices received.
Veterans Information
Branch of service, service dates, discharge paperwork location, VA contact details, and benefit notices.
Survivor Questions
Notes about spouse, dependents, possible survivor benefits, and questions to ask the proper agency.
Healthcare Coverage
Medicare, VA healthcare, supplemental coverage, prescription plan, and other health benefit contacts.
Pension or Retirement Benefits
Employer pension, union pension, government pension, retirement plan, or annuity contact information.
Document Locations
Where benefit letters, discharge papers, marriage certificate, death certificate copies, and related records are kept.
Important Reminder
Do not rely on memory alone.
Benefit information can be stressful to sort through during a family emergency. Even a short note saying which benefits exist and where records are kept can make a major difference for the person trying to help.
Keep the list in a safe place, and let a trusted person know where to find it. Avoid placing full Social Security numbers, passwords, or sensitive account details in an unsecured document.
Printable Worksheet
Social Security / Veterans Benefits Worksheet
Use this worksheet to organize basic benefit information, contact details, document locations, and questions for the proper agency or professional.
Social Security / Veterans Benefits Worksheet
Use this worksheet to organize benefit notes for a trusted family member or helper.
1. Basic Information
Full legal name:
Date updated:
Trusted person who knows where this worksheet is kept:
Main folder or document location:
2. Social Security Notes
Type of Social Security benefit, if known:
Local Social Security office or contact notes:
Where Social Security letters or notices are kept:
Questions family should ask:
3. Veterans Benefits Notes
Veteran’s full name:
Branch of service:
Approximate service dates:
VA office, representative, or contact person:
Where discharge papers or military records are kept:
4. Survivor Benefit Questions
Spouse or dependent who may need benefit information:
Questions to ask Social Security:
Questions to ask Veterans Affairs or a veterans service officer:
Documents that may be needed:
5. Healthcare and Insurance Benefit Contacts
Medicare plan contact:
Phone / website:
VA healthcare contact:
Phone / website:
Prescription plan contact:
Phone / website:
Supplemental insurance contact:
Phone / website:
6. Pension, Retirement, or Other Benefit Contacts
Employer pension or retirement plan:
Union pension or benefit office:
Government pension or retirement system:
Annuity or other income benefit contact:
7. Documents to Locate
- Social Security letters or benefit notices
- Veterans benefit letters or VA notices
- Military discharge papers or service records
- Marriage certificate, if survivor benefits may apply
- Birth certificates for dependents, if needed
- Death certificate copies, when required by an agency
- Insurance, pension, or retirement plan documents
8. Final Notes
Important contact person:
Important phone number:
Other notes for family:
Reminder: This worksheet is for organization only. Contact the proper agency or qualified professional for benefit guidance.
Common Questions
Social Security / Veterans Benefits FAQ
Should my family contact Social Security after a death?
In many situations, a death may need to be reported to Social Security. A funeral home may help with this in some cases, but families should confirm what has been done and ask the proper agency what steps are needed.
Can a surviving spouse receive benefits?
Some surviving spouses or dependents may be eligible for certain benefits, depending on the situation. The family should contact the proper agency directly to ask what may apply.
What veterans documents should be kept safe?
Military discharge papers, VA benefit letters, service records, marriage records, and related benefit documents should be kept in a safe, easy-to-locate place.
Should I write down Social Security numbers or passwords on this worksheet?
Be careful with sensitive information. This worksheet is mainly for organization and contact notes. Full Social Security numbers, passwords, and private account details should be stored securely.