Bereavement

If you have not already done so, you will need to notify the hospital about the selected funeral home before the release of your loved one.

It is helpful to have family or a close friend go with you to the funeral home to share and talk through decisions.

You will need:

• Full name, as well as nickname or other names the person may have used
• Date and place of birth, Social Security number and occupation
• Father’s name, mother’s maiden name and a list of relatives and relationships
• A list of places of worship, professional societies, clubs and other organizations in which membership was held. If the person was in the military or belonged to a fraternal or religious group, contact that organization as they may provide burial benefits or conduct funeral services.
• Information regarding military service
• Name and address of any charitable organizations you’d like memorial donations made to
• A list of individuals who might be available as pallbearers
• To consider what clothing your loved one will be buried in, and take it to the funeral home
• Photos or a video of photos to share during the viewing/memorial service

• Obtain death certificates (usually from the funeral home). Get multiple copies; you’ll need them for financial institutions, government agencies and insurers
• Notify the deceased’s attorney, if there is one
• Gather any documents relating to financial affairs and property ownership. If there is a will or a trust, the executor would be responsible for this.
• Contact life insurance companies
• Inform the local Social Security office and determine if surviving spouse (if applicable) or non-adult children are eligible for benefits
• Notify banks, credit union, post office, companies in which shares are held, financial institutions, etc. so that any accounts solely in the deceased’s name can be frozen to prevent fraud
• Notify creditors and credit card companies
• Identify important bills such as mortgage payments, taxes, homeowner’s insurance, etc., that must be paid
• Contact utility companies (electricity, gas, water and telephone) and cable/internet companies to change the name, arrange transfer of account responsibility or cancellation details if necessary
• Determine if there are any newspaper or magazine subscriptions or memberships to cancel
• Contact the health insurance company or employer about terminating coverage for the deceased and continuing coverage for others covered by the policy
• Arrange redirection of mail from post office, if necessary
• Notify any agency providing pension benefits

• Death certificates (up to 10 to 15 certified copies may be needed)
• Social Security card
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Birth certificate for each child, if applicable
• Insurance policies
• Deed and titles to property
• Stock certificates
• Bank books
• Honorable discharge papers for a veteran and/or V.A. claim number
• Recent income tax forms and W-2 forms
• Automobile title and registration papers
• Loan and installment books and/or contracts

• An attorney who specializes in trusts and estates to learn how to transfer assets and assist with any probate issues
• Accountant or tax preparer to find out whether an estate tax return or final income tax return should be filed. Keep monthly bank statements on all individual and joint accounts that show the account balance on the day of death. You will need this information for the estate tax return.
• The person’s investment adviser for information on holdings
• Veterans Affairs (800-827-1000; va.gov), to ask about survivor benefits. With proof of military service, you may be able to get assistance with the funeral expenses, burial plot or other benefits. You will need a copy of your loved one’s discharge papers.
• Tribal agency service. If your loved one was a member of a Native American tribe, the agency may be available for with funeral and burial services

• Contact friends and family members. Ask a friend or relative to help keep an eye on the person’s home, answer the phone, collect mail, clean out refrigerator or water plants. Ask a friend or family member to help you make phone calls or answer the phone for you.
• Consider asking someone to organize and assist with meal preparations or household chores, especially if you plan to have friends/family visit you
• Contact clergy of the deceased
• Discuss the choice of a funeral home with close friends or family. Ask whether there was a prepaid burial plan. If you are a member of a place of worship, your clergy may also assist you.
• Determine if you want an obituary notice and/or picture placed in a local or regional newspaper. Write the obituary and obtain the picture to submit to the newspaper. The funeral home will often assist you, but there may be a cost involved.
• Notify the employer of the deceased, if applicable. Request information about benefits and any pay due. Ask whether there was a life insurance policy through the company.
• Notify schools, if applicable
• Make arrangements for care of dependents
• Make arrangements for care of pets