DNA Testing For Deceased Father Social Security Benefits

Can You Perform a DNA Test If the Father Is Deceased?

Yes. Paternity DNA testing can often be performed even after the alleged father has passed away. The first step is determining whether a biological specimen from the deceased is available and how the results will be used, since those factors determine which testing options are appropriate.

The chain of custody must be established, and the samples must be in the possession of a third party such as the coroner’s office or the funeral home, or collected on site by a DNA sample collection specialist, if the samples are available.

How Is DNA Testing Performed When the Father Is Deceased?

There are two ways a deceased father’s DNA test can be performed.

1. Direct Post-Mortem DNA Testing

This test can be performed when a biological specimen from the deceased father is available.

2. Family Reconstruction DNA Testing

This testing option is performed when the deceased father has a biological relative available to participate in the testing process to establish paternity.

Whether the results can be used to establish legal paternity or amend a birth record depends on the availability of an appropriate legal specimen, the required chain of custody, and the requirements of the requesting court or government agency, if none of those options are available.

Below is a breakdown of the samples used based on specific situation.

Sample	Reliability	Legal Usage	Typical Source
Blood	Excellent	Yes	Medical Examiner
Bone (Femur)	Very Good	Yes	Medical Examiner
Fingernails	Variable	Yes	Medical Examiner
Teeth	Very Good	Yes	Medical Examiner
Hair with root	Moderate	Yes	Medical Examiner
Toothbrush	Variable	No	Self Collected
Razor	Variable	No	Self Collected
Earwax	Variable	No	Self Collected

Please note, all of the specimens listed above that can be used for legal purposes must be collected by an unbiased DNA sample collector, a chain of custody must be established and your samples will analyzed by our partner AABB accredited laboratory. All specimens collected for legal purposes must be performed by on of the following, a Funeral Home preparer, a Technician at the coroner’s office or before the body is embalmed an IDTO in-network DNA sample collector.

Alternative DNA Samples for Peace-of-Mind Testing:

The following samples listed below can be used for peace of mind purposes.

Toothbrush: We recommend that toothbrush samples be considered when used for a minimum of two months.

Hair Follicle: We recommend placing hair samples into paper envelope and avoid using Ziploc bags.Plastic bags may accumulate moisture which potentially compromise your hair sample.

Blood Stains: Blood stains on a garment, napkin, band aid or tissue paper

Please keep in mind the efficiency of the lab being able to extract a complete DNA profile from a forensic sample is dependent upon the storage and quality of your sample. We recommend that you contact our office at 888-204-0583 to learn more about this process. 

Can paternity be determined without an available sample of a deceased father?

Yes. A DNA test can be performed when no available sample for a direct parent-child relationship test is possible. We often suggest performing a family reconstruction DNA test with an available relative of the deceased father.

Below is list of options that can be performed based on your circumstance.

Paternal Grandparent DNA Test: Both grandparents if available is recommended but testing one grandparent with the mother of the child is also possible.

Sibling DNA Test: In cases when the alleged father has another child by the same woman or a different woman. A paternal half or full sibling DNA test can be performed.

Avuncular (Aunt/Uncle) DNA Test: When an grandparents or siblings are unavailable and the deceased father has sibling an avuncular test is a viable option.

Depending on the usage of your result when performing a family reconstruction DNA test an avuncular DNA test may not be accepted. In cases like attempting to acquire Social Security benefits for child under 18 years old an avuncular DNA test may not accepted. We recommend that you speak with Social Security Administration to confirm the relationship test you want perform will be recognized by any government agency.

How much does a post mortem DNA test cost?

The cost of a post-mortem DNA test varies by relationship. The test can be a direct father-child analysis. The type of sample used affects the cost. A DNA sample collector may need to travel to collect specimens from the deceased father. The coroner’s office may provide existing samples.

The base price for this DNA test is $499.99. Shipping, specimen collection, and travel costs are not included. These additional items are determined case by case.

How do I get started with post mortem DNA testing?

Call 888-204-0583 to speak with one of our DNA Consultants the opportunity to assess your circumstance and help you with the next course of action.