Checklists: Who to Notify

When a family member or friend dies, it is important steps to notify various agencies should be notified promptly after death to reduce the risk of identity theft.

The death of a loved one and planning a funeral or memorial can be emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s also something most of us only experience a few times in our lives. Therefore, many aren’t aware of the steps that need to be taken after a death. The checklist below takes you, step by step, through the process. Use it to help ensure that you are taking care of all the necessary details so you can concentrate on providing a beautiful life tribute for your loved one.

Immediate Tasks & Organizations To Contact

Immediate tasks:

CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE PARTY: IF THE DEATH OCCURRED AT A HOSPITAL OR WHILE IN HOSPICE, SPEAK WITH THE STAFF REGARDING WHEN THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR SHOULD BE CONTACTED AND WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DOING SO (FAMILY OR STAFF).
IF THE DEATH WAS UNANTICIPATED AND DID NOT OCCUR AT A HOSPITAL, CALL 911 TO GO THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
CONNECT WITH THE FUNERAL HOME (IF NOT ALREADY DONE): ANSWER SOME BASIC QUESTIONS THAT WILL BETTER PREPARE THEM TO RECEIVE AND TRANSPORT THE DECEASED
SCHEDULE A TIME TO MAKE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
NOTIFY IMPORTANT INDIVIDUALS: FRIENDS AND FAMILY
CHURCH AND CLERGY (THIS CAN ALSO BE DONE ONCE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE)
ARRANGEMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES, IF APPLICABLE: TEND TO THE PERSON’S HOME – CLEAN OUT THE REFRIGERATOR, WATER PLANTS, COLLECT MAIL, ETC.
TAKE CARE OF OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEPENDENTS
TAKE CARE OF OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PET/ANIMAL CARE
IF NOT ALREADY DISCUSSED, BEGIN TO TALK WITH CLOSE FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABOUT THE TYPE OF SERVICE OR MEMORIAL THAT WOULD BEST HONOR YOUR LOVED ONE’S LIFE AND DISCUSS HOW YOUTH AND CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY MIGHT BE ABLE TO PLAY A ROLE IN HONORING THEIR LIFE AT THE SERVICE. YOUR FUNERAL DIRECTOR WILL HELP YOU EXPLORE OPTIONS
DISCUSS POTENTIAL VENUES FOR THE VISITATION, SERVICE OR CELEBRATION, AS APPROPRIATE (I.E., FUNERAL HOME, CHURCH, PARK, COMMUNITY CENTER, ETC.)
CONSIDER THE PEOPLE, EVENTS, ACTIVITIES AND THINGS THAT WERE IMPORTANT TO YOUR LOVED ONE. YOUR FUNERAL DIRECTOR WILL HELP YOU INCORPORATE THEM INTO A MEANINGFUL TRIBUTE

organizations to contact:

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION [800-772-1213]
Their employer
VETERAN’S ADMINISTRATION (IF THE DECEDENT WAS FORMERLY IN THE MILITARY)
DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE [216-522-6680 – MILITARY SERVICE RETIREE RECEIVING BENEFITS]
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT [888-767-6738 – IF THE DECEDENT IS A RETIRED OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE]
U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICE [800-375-5283 – IF THE DECEDENT WAS NOT A U.S. CITIZEN]
THE DMV (STATE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES)
STATE AND/OR COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS (IF REGISTERED VOTER)
USPS (UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE)

Additional Organizations to consider:

CREDIT CARD AND MERCHANT CARD COMPANIES
BANKS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS
MORTGAGE COMPANIES AND LENDERS
FINANCIAL PLANNERS AND STOCKBROKERS
PENSION PROVIDERS
LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANIES
HEALTH, MEDICAL AND DENTAL INSURERS
DISABILITY INSURER
AUTOMOTIVE INSURER
MUTUAL BENEFITS COMPANIES
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND UNIONS
HEALTH & ATHLETIC CLUBS
PUBLIC LIBRARY
VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS