My mother died on Dec. 31, 2017. Will SSA take back her check?

Hi peg. Thanks for the clarification. I find their logic really wacky. If they pay in arrears, that means they send the November payment in December, and the December payment in January. She wasn't there to use, but that December payment was still her money because she was alive in December and the money could be used for her final arrangement. I suppose you should be glad the government only pays one month in arrears. What if they pay 6 months in arrears? Then you would lose 6 months of your money. That's government for you.

SSA took the December money back in Feb (deposited in Jan) because she died on 12/31. I called when this happened and was told "It's the law". They reason that since they pay in arrears, she wasn't there in Jan to use the money. So there's the answer for anyone else.

If the check was for December and didn't get deposited into the bank until January, then that money belongs to her. If the check was for January, then it should not be used. If you're unsure, you can call a social security office.