Be sure to make copies of each document so you have all that you need. The following list shows some important documents you may need to obtain:
Begin forwarding or closing email and social media accounts for safety. However, if your loved one was active online, you could consider memorializing their Facebook and Instagram accounts to provide online space for memorial wishes.
Getting in touch with various organizations can be time-consuming. This quick guide helps break down who to contact and what needs to take place.
Reach out to the Social Security Administration to review eligibility for survivor benefits and gather other essential information for surviving family members.
If your loved one was actively serving or had served in the military previously, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to notify them of the death and ask about eligibility for veterans’ benefits.
Contact the Human Resources department of your loved one’s employer to notify them of the death and for assistance with applicable benefits and retirement or pension plans. It may be beneficial to consider contacting former employers as well to discuss any life insurance, pensions or old 401(k) plans. If it’s relevant, ask about any continuing medical coverage.
For written communication:
Help prevent identity theft by reaching out to at least one of the three nationwide credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian or TransUnion — to report the death. Obtain a copy of your loved one’s credit report for estate settlement purposes. Typically, if you notify one credit bureau, they’ll inform the other two.
Some organizations require written communication. Download and edit the template(s) below to print applications and sample correspondence with insurance companies, organizations and creditors.
Please note that this site is intended for reference only and does not provide a complete list of all resources or cover every possible situation you may encounter.
Provided content is for overview and informational purposes only and is not intended as tax, legal, fiduciary or investment advice.
Other entities referenced are not affiliates of the companies of OneAmerica Financial unless otherwise noted.
