One of a financial advisor’s most difficult and important roles is helping a client through the challenges of losing a spouse. In addition to the grief of dealing with the death of a loved one, there ...

In most cases, the funeral home reports the death to the SSA, but you should confirm that it has been done. You can also call ...

Even military families often don’t know what benefits are available to the surviving family of an active-duty service member.

When a Social Security beneficiary dies, their loved ones may qualify for a one-time $255 lump-sum death payment. Yet that amount has not changed in 70 years — since 1954 — while inflation has pushed ...

You must be at least 61 years and 9 months, and want your benefits to start in no more than 4 months. Apply at www.ssa.gov/retirement. Looking for a free mini puzzle ...

About a month ago, I wrote a column explaining what family members need to do when a loved one who was getting Social Security benefits dies. I primarily discussed what might need to be done about ...