Losing a loved one is always difficult, but during this time, you must also handle important tasks and make key financial decisions. You may need to make final arrangements, notify businesses and government agencies, settle the estate, and protect your own financial security. This what to do when someone dies checklist will guide you through essential steps immediately after a loved one’s passing. Some tasks may fall to you directly, while others may need to be handled by the estate’s executor. Following this guide can help reduce stress and ensure that nothing important is overlooked.
Note: Some of the following tasks may have to be completed by the estate’s executor.
Initial Tasks After the Death of a Loved One
Losing someone close feels overwhelming. However, taking organized steps early can ease stress later. Use this checklist to manage immediate responsibilities and protect your family’s future.
Contact Family, Friends, and Employers
First, call close family members, friends, and clergy. Their emotional support matters during this difficult time. Next, inform your loved one’s employer, union, professional groups, and any volunteer organizations. Also, contact your own employer to request bereavement leave.
Arrange Funeral and Memorial Services
Plan the funeral, burial or cremation, and memorial service. Many people leave written instructions in estate documents or personal letters. Look through your loved one’s papers for final wishes.
Arrange cultural rituals and anatomical donations if applicable. Then notify friends and relatives about service details.
Place an obituary in your local newspaper.
Get Death Certificates and Important Documents
Request certified copies of the death certificate. The doctor or medical examiner issues it within 24 hours, and the funeral home files it with the state. Order several certified copies since many agencies require originals.
Gather essential documents, including:
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Will and trust papers
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Property deeds and titles
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Marriage and birth certificates
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Military discharge records
Check safe-deposit boxes or contact your loved one’s attorney if needed.
Notify Social Security and Government Agencies
Report the death to Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov.
If Social Security paid benefits by direct deposit, ask the bank to return funds from the month of death. Return mailed checks immediately.
Surviving spouses or family members may qualify for a $255 lump-sum benefit and monthly survivor payments.
Review Financial Accounts and Assets
Create a list of all assets. Secure property and continue mortgage and insurance payments during estate settlement. Retrieve personal belongings from your loved one’s workplace and collect unpaid salary, vacation pay, or sick leave. Ask about continued health insurance and survivor benefits for spouses or children.
Contact employers, retirement plan custodians, and insurance companies. Locate all insurance policies, including:
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Mortgage insurance
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Credit card insurance
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Accidental death policies
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Annuities
File claims as soon as possible. This ensures your loved one’s benefits are received promptly and properly distributed. For long-term planning, consider long-term care insurance alternatives to protect the family’s future.
Contact Employers, Retirement Plans, and Insurance Companies
Reach out to former employers about pension plans. Contact IRA custodians and trustees. Review beneficiaries and distribution options.
Locate all insurance policies, including:
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Life insurance
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Mortgage insurance
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Credit card insurance
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Accidental death policies
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Annuities
File claims with each provider as soon as possible.
Within 3 to 9 months after death
- File the will with the appropriate probate court. If real estate was owned out of state, file ancillary probate in that state also. If there is no will, contact the probate court for instructions, or contact a probate attorney for assistance.
- Notify creditors by mail and by placing a notice in the newspaper. Claims must be made within the statute of limitations, which varies from state to state (30 days from actual notice is common). Insist upon proof of all claims.
- A federal estate tax return may need to be filed within 9 months of death. State laws vary, but state estate tax and/or inheritance tax returns may also need to be filed. Federal and state income taxes are due for the year of death on the normal filing date, unless an extension is requested. If there are trusts, separate income tax returns may need to be filed. You may want to seek the advice of a tax professional. Consulting a financial planning expert for seniors or tax professional is recommended.
Within 9 to 12 months after death
- Update your own estate plan if your loved one was a beneficiary or appointed as an agent, trustee, or guardian.
- Update beneficiary designations on your retirement plans, including IRAs, and transfer-on-death accounts on which the your loved one was named beneficiary.
- Reevaluate your budget, and short-term and long-term finances.
- Reevaluate your insurance needs, and update beneficiary designations on insurance policies on which your loved one was the named beneficiary.
- Reevaluate investment options.
FAQs:
1. What should I do immediately after a family member passes away?
Start by notifying close relatives, friends, and spiritual leaders. Then contact your loved one’s employer and request bereavement leave from your own workplace. Begin planning funeral or memorial services and gather important documents.
2. How many death certificates should I order?
It’s wise to request multiple certified copies, as banks, insurance companies, and government agencies often require originals. Ordering 8–12 copies is common.
3. Who needs to be notified about the death?
You should inform Social Security, insurance companies, employers, financial institutions, and government agencies. If benefits were paid after death, those funds may need to be returned.
4. Are survivor benefits available?
Surviving spouses and eligible family members may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits, including a small lump-sum payment and possible monthly income.
5. What financial steps should I take first?
Create a list of assets and accounts, secure property, and continue mortgage and insurance payments. Contact employers to ask about unpaid wages, retirement benefits, and health insurance options.
