The “What Happens When Someone Dies” guide provides a step-by-step process to follow when someone passes away, including handling social security, funeral arrangements, death certificates, and other related aspects.

The 12 Steps After a Death Checklist

1. Notify Authorities.

If the person died at home, call 911 or the local emergency number. The authorities will issue a death pronouncement, which is needed for the death certificate.

If the person died in a hospital, nursing home, or hospice care facility, the staff will handle this process for you.

2. Contact a Funeral Home/Funeral Director.

The funeral director will guide you through the process of preparing the body and organizing the funeral. They can help with transportation, embalming, and planning a burial or cremation.

Provide the funeral director with key information such as the deceased’s full name, Social Security number, and the next of kin’s contact details.

Discuss funeral or memorial service arrangements and any pre-arranged funeral plans if they exist.

3. Obtain Death Certificates.

You will need multiple certified copies of the death certificate (at least 5-10 copies), as they are required to close accounts, claim benefits, and manage estate matters.

The funeral home or the local health department can assist you in obtaining the death certificates.

4. Notify Social Security.

If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) as soon as possible. The funeral home can often handle this on your behalf.

A surviving spouse or dependent children may be eligible for survivor benefits. Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to check eligibility.

5. Contact Insurance Companies.

Notify life insurance companies to begin the claims process. You will need to provide a death certificate and policy information.

If the deceased had health insurance, contact the provider to inform them and to cancel the policy or make necessary changes. Do the same for any property and casualty policies.

6. Handle Financial Matters.

Bank Accounts and Credit Card Companies: Notify banks and other financial institutions where the deceased held accounts. Provide them with a death certificate to begin the process of closing or transferring the accounts.

Creditors and Credit Bureaus: Inform creditors of the death. You should also notify credit bureaus to avoid identity theft.

7. Apply for Death Benefits.

Inquire about death benefits from the deceased’s employer, including pensions, retirement funds, or any company-provided life insurance.

If the deceased was a veteran, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to inquire about any available death benefits, including burial allowances.

8. Notify the IRS.

The deceased’s final tax return must be filed, and the IRS should be notified accordingly. You may need to file additional returns depending on how the estate was set up. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, CPA, or attorney to ensure compliance.

9. Settle the Estate.

If the deceased had a will, it will need to go through the probate process. If there is no will, state laws will determine how the estate is distributed.

An attorney or estate planner can help you navigate the legal requirements for settling the estate.

10. Cancel Services and Subscriptions.

Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions (such as magazines or streaming services), and other accounts that are no longer needed.

11. Notify Other Relevant Parties.

Employer: Inform the deceased’s employer.

Clubs/Organizations: Contact any groups with which the person was affiliated.

Social Media Accounts: Close or memorialize social media accounts, according to the platforms’ policies.

12. Maintain a Documentation Log.

It is essential to document your actions and conversations and keep track of each company and person you speak to, in case you need proof in the future. On occasion, people fail to complete the task. Having a to-do form or log provides you with proof and a reminder of what they were supposed to do, along with the date.

If the representative won’t give you their last name, write down their first name, ID number, telephone extension, and the city in which they are located. Simply getting the rep’s name increases the odds that they complete what they committed to doing.

Key Documents You’ll Need:

• Social Security number of the deceased
• Certified death certificates
• Driver’s license
• Insurance policy documents including long term care coverage if applicable
• Financial account statements
• The deceased’s will or trust (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates of dependent children (if applicable)

These steps should help you organize the necessary tasks when someone passes away.

Summary – What Happens When Someone Dies Guide

When someone passes away, the experience can be overwhelming, especially for those who are grieving. It is rarely a great time to try to figure everything out. It is rarely a great time to try to figure everything out.This guide is designed to provide a straightforward step-by-step approach to help manage the essential tasks during this difficult time.

Sometimes, this process can take longer than you expect, especially if the estate is complex or the deceased passed away without a will. A good financial advisor or estate planning attorney can help navigate this process and ensure that the wishes of those who have passed are honored.

If you’re ready to create a secure financial future, we’re here to help.
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