What to Do After the Funeral

1. Prepare a list of persons to receive acknowledgments of flowers, memorial contributions, etc. Send appropriate acknowledgments (can be written note, printed acknowledgments, or some of each). Include "thank you" to those who given their time as well.

2. Check promptly on all debts and installment payments, including credit cards. Some may carry insurance clauses that will cancel them. If there is to be a delay in meeting payments, consult with creditors and ask for more time before payments are due.

3. If deceased was living alone, notify utilities and landlord. Notify the post office and direct them where to send the mail.

4. The funeral director will prepare Social Security Form SSA 721. Verify with Social Security to see that the number is retired and to determine eligibility for benefits. Benefits are not automatic, they must be applied for. Birth, marriage and death certificates are required. If Social Security Checks are automatic deposit, notify bank of death.

5. Obtain a copy of the deceased's will or trust. Select a lawyer if legal advice is needed. You may need to notify the executor of the will or administrator of the trust.

6. Notify all life, health and casualty insurance companies in order that you may:
-Claim benefits due under policies on the deceased
-Make any beneficiary changes on policies where the deceased was named the beneficiary
-Determine if the deceased was owner of any policies of dependents or business associates, as cash value of such policies must be included in the deceased's estate

NOTE: You should check all policies, even if you think they may have lapsed. If you do not have a copy of the policy, the insurance company will have complete records. Sometimes insurance policies are old and may have changed to a different company. You may call this information hotline to assist you with your questions: 1-800-777-8005.

7. Check with deceased's present and past employer(s) for possible insurance and other benefits.

8. Contact business or service organizations of which the deceased was a member for possible benefits.

9. Contact the nearest Veteran's Administration office if the deceased was a veteran. They will require full name of the deceased, branch of service and service serial number.

10. Contact Civil Service Commission if the deceased was employed in the Civil Service for more than 18 months.

11. Contact the Internal Revenue Service office to determine tax-filing requirements.