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Benefits and money

Planning ahead and when someone dies

Papers that say who decides and what you want, ways to leave money without ending benefits, hospice, and what families can claim after a death.

These papers say what care you want and who speaks for you if you cannot. They are free to make; most states need witnesses or a notary.

Health care power of attorney
Names a person (an agent or proxy) to make health decisions for you if you cannot.
Living will
Says what treatment you do or do not want near the end of life.
POLST or MOLST
A medical order signed by your doctor for people who are seriously ill. Emergency workers follow it. Names vary by state.
Do not resuscitate (DNR)
A doctor's order about CPR. Some states require a special form or bracelet outside the hospital.
Psychiatric advance directive
Your choices for mental health care during a crisis, in states that recognize them.

Get your state's free forms

Give copies to your agent and your doctors. Keep one where it is easy to find.

Help with decisions, short of guardianship

Supported decision-making, powers of attorney and representative payees let a person keep their rights while getting help. Guardianship and its alternatives.

Wills and trusts

  • Leaving money directly to a person on SSI or Medicaid can end those benefits. A special needs trust or an ABLE account avoids that.
  • Check the beneficiary on life insurance and retirement accounts too.
  • Free wills are not offered everywhere. Legal aid and some law schools help people with low incomes.
  • Step by step: IDD Atlas: planning for the future.

Hospice

Hospice is comfort care at home or in a facility. Medicare covers it when a doctor says life expectancy is 6 months or less and the person chooses comfort care. Medicaid covers it in most states, and children can keep getting treatment while in hospice. Medicare hospice coverage; compare hospices.

After a death

  • Tell Social Security. The funeral home usually does. Payments for the month of death and after must be returned.
  • One-time payment of $255 to a surviving spouse, or to some children if there is no spouse. Apply within 2 years.
  • Survivor benefits: a spouse, children, and adult children whose disability started before 22 may get monthly benefits on the person's record. These can pay more than SSI. Call 1-800-772-1213.
  • Veterans: for a death on or after October 1, 2026 not related to service, VA pays up to $1,032 for burial and $1,032 for a plot; up to $2,000 if the death was related to service. A marker allowance is $420. Burial in a national cemetery is free for eligible veterans. Served & Supported.

For caregivers

Use the caregiver planning checklist to gather papers, benefits and a backup plan in one place. Respite and caregiver support: ARCH National Respite Locator and your Area Agency on Aging.

Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Sources: CaringInfo: advance directives by state; SSA: lump-sum death payment; VA: burial allowance. This page explains how programs work. It does not decide who qualifies. The agency that runs each program makes that decision.

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