What to Do When Someone Dies
Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and the administrative tasks that follow can feel insurmountable. This checklist helps you organize everything that needs to be done, from the immediate hours after death through the following months.
Remember: you don't have to do everything alone. Delegate tasks to family members, and don't hesitate to ask for help from friends, attorneys, or financial advisors.
5
Immediate Tasks
7
First Week
8
First Month
5
Within 3 Months
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Key Organizations to Contact
Emergency Services
911 (US) if death is unexpected
Funeral Home
Arrange body transport and services
Social Security
1-800-772-1213 to report death
Life Insurance
File claims with all providers
Banks
Notify all financial institutions
Employer
HR for benefits and final pay
Frequently Asked Questions
First, if the death was unexpected, call emergency services (911 in the US). If expected (hospice care), contact the hospice provider. Then contact a funeral home to arrange transport of the body. Avoid making major decisions in the first 24 hours if possible.
Key notifications include: immediate family, employer/HR, Social Security Administration, life insurance companies, banks and financial institutions, pension providers, government benefits offices, and the deceased's doctor. Close friends and extended family should also be informed.
You'll typically need 10-15 certified copies. Each financial institution, insurance company, and government agency usually requires an original certified copy. It's easier and cheaper to order extra copies upfront than to request more later.
Important documents include: the will, trust documents, life insurance policies, bank and investment account statements, property deeds, vehicle titles, Social Security card, birth and marriage certificates, tax returns, military discharge papers, and pension documents.
Most life insurance policies don't have a strict deadline for filing claims, but it's best to file within 30-60 days. Some policies may have specific time limits in their terms. Delays can slow down payment, so contact the insurance company as soon as reasonably possible.
Probate should typically be initiated within 30-90 days of death, though timelines vary by jurisdiction. Some assets (joint accounts, beneficiary designations) don't go through probate. Consult an estate attorney to understand your specific situation.