IRMAA after the death of a spouse
By Elder PaperworkUpdated
Short answer
The death of a spouse is one of the 8 life-changing events Social Security accepts for IRMAA.
It can lower your income and change how you file your taxes.
With Form SSA-44, you can ask Social Security to use a more recent year.
Sources: POMS HI 01120.010; Form SSA-44 (12-2025). Read November 4, 2026.
Key facts
Does a spouse’s death count as a life-changing event?
Yes. Social Security lists the death of a spouse as a life-changing event.
The surviving spouse is the one who can ask for a new decision.
The effect on income can come later, for example in the following tax year.
How can my filing status change the result?
Joint income limits are twice the single limits.
After a spouse dies, your income and your filing status may both change.
| Single | Joint | Part B total | Part D extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| $109,000 or less | $218,000 or less | $202.90 | $0.00 |
| Up to $137,000 | Up to $274,000 | $284.10 | $14.50 |
| Up to $171,000 | Up to $342,000 | $405.80 | $37.50 |
| Up to $205,000 | Up to $410,000 | $527.50 | $60.40 |
| Under $500,000 | Under $750,000 | $649.20 | $83.30 |
| $500,000 or more | $750,000 or more | $689.90 | $91.00 |
What proof do I need?
Form SSA-44 lists these documents for proof of death:
- A certified death certificate
- A certified public record of death
- A certified coroner’s certificate
If Social Security already has valid proof in its records, it uses that.
How do I ask Social Security?
Social Security lists these ways to send Form SSA-44 with your evidence:
- Online, after you sign in to your account
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- By fax or mail to a Social Security office
You can do this yourself, for free.
For the form itself, see how to fill out Form SSA-44.
Find out in a few minutes if you qualify.
Check my savingsWhat income information do I give?
You give your income and filing status for the year you ask Social Security to use.
That can be an estimate. Social Security then asks for your signed tax return once it’s filed.
Questions
Can I ask for my parent after their spouse died?
A representative payee can ask for them. For other helpers, ask Social Security first.
Do I need a death certificate?
Social Security needs proof of death. If its records already show valid proof, it uses that.
Can I use an estimate of my income?
Yes. Social Security asks for your signed tax return once it’s filed.