What to Do When a Loved One Dies

In this article:

Decisions you'll need to make quickly

What paperwork do you need after a death?

Who to notify after your loved one passes

Decisions that can wait

How life insurance can help after a loved one passes

Consider whole life insurance for some peace of mind

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The death of a loved one can be a painful experience that can affect us emotionally and financially. Yet important decisions still may need to be made by the people closest to those who have passed away. From planning a funeral to paying off final expenses and closing bank accounts, the duty to close your loved one's final chapter may not be an easy one.

A plan, however, can help make things simpler. Here are some things to consider.

Decisions you'll need to make quickly

In the aftermath of losing a loved one, emotions often run high. However, some decisions cannot wait. Here are some thoughtful ways and decisions to ensure your loved one's wishes are honored and bring order to an otherwise overwhelming moment.

Arrange for organ donation

If your loved one wanted to donate organs or make a whole body donation, let hospital staff know immediately. Organ donation is time-sensitive.

Secure property

Lock your loved one’s home and vehicles. If you’re the appointed executor for the estate, consider changing the locks on the home, especially if several people might have keys.

Arrange the next steps for your loved one

Unless your loved one made prearranged plans, you might consider:

• Calling a funeral home, which can help with funeral arrangements and burial or cremation. Funeral homes can also provide service options, help order a casket or urn, or arrange for cremation or donation. You may also order caskets or urns online.

• Calling a crematory. This option may cost less than working with a traditional funeral home.

Write an obituary

If you want help, obituary templates are available online. You can pay to publish it in your local newspaper; if you’re working with a funeral home, they’ll usually contact the newspaper. Obituaries can also be published online for free on certain websites.

Contact the post office to forward mail

Estate executors can file a request at the post office to have your loved one’s mail forwarded to your address. This prevents mail from piling up and helps identify bills you need to pay and accounts you need to close.

What paperwork do you need after a death?

Every situation is unique, but here are some things to help you understand what paperwork you'll need after a loved one passes away:

• A legal pronouncement of death: It is needed to obtain a death certificate.

• A death certificate: You will need it when planning a funeral or cremation and processing their legal, financial, and administrative matters. You usually obtain it from the vital records department of the town or city where the death happened.¹

• Proof of relationships and roles: These can include your marriage license, birth certificate, or discharge papers and VA claim number if your loved one was a veteran.²

• Financial accounts: Secure documents for your loved one's bank accounts, credit and debit cards, investments and brokerage accounts.

• Insurance claims: Check whether the deceased had any insurance, including life insurance, health insurance like Medicaid or Medicare.

• The will or trust: Find out if your loved one had a will or a trust. If there's a will, reach out to the executor of the will or, in case of a trust, a trustee.

• Deeds/titles/promissory notes/loans: Have papers for real estate property deeds, including any recent appraisals. Also, obtain mortgage documents, loans the deceased owed or was owed, vehicle titles and registrations and any membership certificates.

Other documents to consider having available after a loved one passes:

• Social Security number

• Final instructions

• Organ donation record

• Relevant court documents

• Driver's license

• Passwords for accounts

Who to notify after your loved one passes

When someone dies, you need to inform loved ones, your loved one's place of business, government programs and financial institutions. This checklist can help guide you through the process:

Family members and close friends

These are the first people you should call after your loved one passes away. Make a list of immediate family members, friends, and colleagues and start sharing this news in person or a phone call. As you notify them, you may also ask them to inform other close family members and friends.

Your loved one's employer

Ask them about the last paycheck, insurance and any other benefits. Also, arrange to return workplace items.

Social Security and Medicare

Usually, the funeral director informs the Social Security Administration (SSA) about the death. However, if they don't, it should be done as soon as possible. Once SSA is notified, it will inform Medicare. Two things to note:

• Your loved one will no longer receive any Social Security benefits.

• You'll be required to return the benefits your loved one received for the month they died.

State motor vehicle office

They'll cancel your loved one's license/ID and allow you to transfer vehicle ownership.

Utility services

Inform utility companies like gas, water, electricity and telephone of cancellations or account transfers.

Attorney/estate planner

If your loved one left a last will and testament, you'll need to work with a lawyer to guide you through the process.

Internal Revenue Service

You need to file the deceased's final income tax returns. Mention all forms of income they had until the time of dying.

Banks and financial institutions

Notify these financial firms to freeze the deceased's account to help prevent fraud.

Insurance companies

Contact the deceased's auto, homeowners, and health insurance companies.

Credit card companies

Notify these institutions to cease recurring payments and prevent theft. Other important agencies include religious institutions, healthcare providers, pension providers, U.S. passports, veteran benefits and voter registration.

Decisions that can wait

When it comes to major decisions that can affect you for years to come, taking your time or getting additional, trusted perspectives can help. Grief can be a very vulnerable state and may impact the decisions you make.

Decisions to hold off on can include:

• Selling or buying a home

• Moving

• Leaving a job

• Large financial decisions, such as purchasing a prepaid funeral or a large annuity for yourself

• Higher-risk investments

Postponing investments or purchases is especially true for someone whose spouse or partner handled the finances. Learning a new set of skills can be confusing and frightening, and may open a person up to financial exploitation.

How life insurance can help after a loved one passes

If your loved one had life insurance, the beneficiary, usually the spouse, partner, children, or family member, will file a claim with their life insurance company. The insurer will then pay them a lump-sum benefit that they can use in different ways, including:

• Covering final expenses

• Paying off debt

• Creating an emergency fund

• Paying expenses like a mortgage or rent

• Saving for retirement

• Building a fund for a child's education

Life insurance can help lessen the stress and uncertainty and create a secure future for those left behind. This can give family members space to grieve peacefully and make time to heal.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How will the insurance company know a person has died?

Once the beneficiary or other responsible party contacts the insurance company to file a claim, they will likely receive forms and information on the requirements, including a death certificate as proof of the insured's death. Usually, you'll need to mail the death certificate to them. But you may also be able to present a physical original or scan a digital copy to the insurer.

2. How long do claims take?

The timeframe varies depending on the insurer. But it typically is between a few days to a few months. Some factors influencing the length include the nature of the claim, the type of insurance and whether your documents are complete. If the claims are minor, the insurer will most likely resolve them within a few weeks, but those involving accidents, policy disputes and serious issues take some time.

3. How do I find out if someone had an insurance policy after death?

If you aren't sure whether your loved one has an insurance policy, check their bank statements first. They may show direct debits to their insurer for premium payments. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) also offers a life insurance policy locator³ that you can also use to determine whether your loved one was insured.

Sources:

1. CDC, Where to Write for Vital Records, August 2022

2. U.S. Department for Veteran Affairs, VA Burial Benefits and Memorial Items, May 2025

3. NAIC, Learn How to Use the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, May 2025