After a death: a week-by-week plan

The date stays on this device. It's only used to work out when each step is due.

1. The first day or two

   Right away0 of 6
   • If they were in hospice, call the hospice team. They have a plan for what happens next, and a hospice nurse can pronounce the death.
     National Institute on Aging: what to do after someone diesnia.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
   • If the death at home was unexpected, call 911.
   • Choose a funeral home. You have the right to get prices over the phone, and the FTC suggests comparing at least two.
     FTC: Shopping for funeral servicesftc.gov (opens in a new tab)
   • Look for their wishes: a prepaid funeral plan, cemetery papers, or a note about what they wanted.
   • Tell close family and friends. Ask one person to help spread the word.
   • Lock up their home and car, keep valuables safe, and arrange care for any pets.

2. The first week

   Days 2 to 70 of 7
   • Order several certified copies of the death certificate. The funeral home can usually order them.
   • Look for the will and any trust papers, or ask their lawyer if they had one.
   • Social Security: the funeral home usually reports the death. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about the one-time $255 payment and survivor benefits.
     Social Security: what to do when someone diesssa.gov (opens in a new tab)
   • If they served in the military, report the death to the VA: 1-800-827-1000 (TTY 711), then press 5. Ask about burial benefits.
     VA: report the death of a Veteranva.gov (opens in a new tab)

     VA burial benefits and memorial itemsva.gov (opens in a new tab)

     The Complete kit also writes the VA letter
   • If they were working, tell their employer and ask about the last paycheck and benefits.
     The kit writes this letter
   • Their mail: only the court-appointed executor or administrator can forward it, in person at a Post Office, with the court papers. A death certificate alone isn't enough.
     USPS: stop or forward mail for someone who diedusps.com (opens in a new tab)
   • Start a notebook or folder for every call, letter and receipt.

3. Weeks 2 to 4

   The rest of the first month0 of 7
   • Call the probate court clerk in the county where they lived. Ask whether a will was filed and whether the estate needs to go through probate.
     The kit writes the court letter
   • Write to each bank and credit union to report the death and ask what they need.
     The kit writes these letters
   • Look for life insurance in their papers and mail, and use the free NAIC policy locator.
     NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator (free)naic.org (opens in a new tab)

     The kit writes the insurance letters
   • Tell the three credit bureaus, to help stop identity theft.
     The kit has all three letters
   • Tell credit card companies and lenders. Don't pay their debts from your own money until you know who owes what.
     CFPB: Does a person's debt go away when they die?consumerfinance.gov (opens in a new tab)

     The kit writes these letters
   • Tell their health or Medicare plan, and their car and home insurance companies.
     The Complete kit writes these
   • Cut down advertising mail: add their name to the Deceased Do Not Contact list.
     DMAchoice: Deceased Do Not Contact listdmachoice.org (opens in a new tab)

4. Months 1 to 3

   Once the first rush is over0 of 6
   • Search for unclaimed money in every state where they lived. It's free on the official sites.
     Find each state's official search
   • Ask past employers about pensions and 401(k) plans, not just the last job.
     The kit writes these letters
   • Cancel subscriptions and memberships. Their card statements show monthly charges.
   • Close or memorialize social media and email accounts using each company's official page.
     The Complete kit lists every official page
   • If the home will sit empty, tell the home insurance company, and keep the heat on in cold weather.
   • Keep a list of bills that arrive. Ask a lawyer or the court which ones the estate should pay, and in what order.

5. Within the year

   Before the deadlines0 of 4
   • File their final income tax return. It's due on the usual tax deadline, normally April 15 of the year after they died.

     On a paper return, write "deceased," their name and the date of death across the top.

     IRS: final tax return for someone who diedirs.gov (opens in a new tab)
   • To claim a refund on it, attach IRS Form 1310, unless you're the surviving spouse or a court-appointed representative.
     IRS Form 1310irs.gov (opens in a new tab)
   • If a spouse or child qualifies, apply for Social Security's $255 payment within 2 years of the death.
   • Keep copies of every letter, receipt and statement until the estate is completely settled.