Key Takeaways
- Start with the urgent notifications: Social Security, the employer and life insurance companies.
- Notify the three credit bureaus to reduce the risk of identity theft using the deceased person’s information.
- Banks, investment firms and retirement plans need to know so accounts can be transferred, usually with a certified death certificate.
- Utilities, subscriptions and online accounts can wait until after the funeral.
- Keep a log of who you contacted, when, and what they need.
Before you start
Gather a few things that most organizations will ask for:
- Certified death certificates; see how many you need
- The person’s Social Security number, date of birth and address
- Account numbers, if you have them
- Proof of your authority, such as letters from the probate court if you’re the executor
Notification checklist
Government
- Social Security Administration: the funeral home often reports the death, but confirm. Ask about survivor benefits.
- Medicare: usually handled through Social Security.
- Veterans Affairs, if the person served, for burial and survivor benefits.
- IRS: no separate notice is usually needed; the executor files a final tax return.
- DMV: to cancel the license and transfer vehicles.
- Passport office and voter registration, where applicable.
Work and benefits
- Employer, for final pay, benefits and any group life insurance
- Pension or retirement plan administrators
- Union or professional associations that may provide death benefits
Financial
- Banks and credit unions
- Investment and retirement account firms
- Life insurance companies
- Credit card companies and lenders (mortgage, auto loan)
- The three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
Home and everyday accounts
- Landlord or mortgage servicer
- Utilities, phone and internet
- Home and auto insurance (keep coverage in place while the property is secured)
- Subscriptions and memberships
- Post office (the executor can arrange mail forwarding)
- Email, social media and other online accounts; see digital estate planning
Priority order
| Priority | Who to notify | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Within days | Social Security, employer, life insurers | Stops payments that must be returned; starts benefits and claims |
| Within weeks | Banks, investment firms, credit bureaus, credit card companies | Secures accounts and prevents identity theft |
| Within weeks | Insurance on home and vehicles | Keeps property protected |
| When ready | Utilities, subscriptions, online accounts | Cancels or transfers ongoing services |
Tips
- Ask what each organization needs before sending documents.
- Don’t close joint accounts that a surviving spouse still uses; ask about removing the deceased person’s name instead.
- Keep a log of every call, the reference number and next steps.
- Watch for scams targeting grieving families, especially calls demanding payment.
Frequently asked questions
After family, start with Social Security, the person’s employer and any life insurance companies. Then move to banks, credit bureaus and other financial institutions.
Usually, yes, but it’s worth confirming. You’ll still need to contact Social Security yourself to apply for any survivor benefits.
Notifying Equifax, Experian and TransUnion helps flag the person as deceased, which reduces the risk of identity thieves opening accounts in their name.
Usually the executor or court-appointed administrator, with a death certificate and proof of authority. Joint owners and named beneficiaries can often deal with their accounts directly.
There’s usually no separate notice. The executor files the person’s final income tax return and, if required, estate tax returns.
Keep reading
- What to Do When Someone Dies: A Step-by-Step ChecklistA clear checklist for the first 24 hours, the first week and the months after a loved one dies: who to call, what documents you need and how the estate gets settled.
- How to Settle an Estate: An Executor’s ChecklistA step-by-step executor checklist for settling an estate: getting legal authority, notifying creditors, managing assets, paying taxes and distributing property.
- How Many Death Certificates Do You Need?Most families need several certified death certificates. See who requires a certified copy, how many to order, and how to get more later.
- Are You Responsible for a Parent’s Debts After They Die?In most cases, children don't inherit a parent's debts. Learn how debts are paid from the estate, the exceptions, and what to say when collectors call.
- How to Find a Will, Bank Accounts and Life Insurance After a DeathDon't know if your loved one had a will or life insurance? Where to look, free search tools for lost policies and unclaimed money, and what to do if nothing turns up.
Don’t leave your family guessing
Put your health care wishes in writing with a living will, HIPAA release and medical authorization. The No Brainer Box adds a last will, a revocable trust and health care and financial powers of attorney.
- Answer a few simple questions online
- Download your completed, ready-to-sign forms
- Sign them and keep copies in your account
This guide is general educational information written by the No Brainer Forms Team. It is not legal advice, and No Brainer Forms is not a law firm. Laws and signing requirements vary by state; for advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.