A Checklist of Tasks That May Be Required After a Death

Loss can be one of the most devastating and stressful events in a person’s life. The immediate days following the death will be focused on the funeral or memorial service arrangements. Soon after, however, various financial and legal issues must be addressed. If you’ve never been in this position before, you may feel lost and unsure of what to do. While the tasks may look different depending on your circumstances, the following is a list of tasks that are likely to need attention:

Checklist

• If they were a veteran, you may be able to get assistance with the funeral, burial plot, or other benefits. For information on benefits, call the Veterans Administration at 800-827-1000. You will need a copy of your loved one’s discharge papers. In most cases these can be obtained from Massachusetts Military War Records, 508-422-1993.
• Obtain around 10 copies of the Death Certificate from your funeral director. You can also get additional ones later online or at your city hall.
• Notify Social Security of death. You should give the funeral home the deceased person's Social Security number if you want them to make the report. If you would like to report the death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office.
• Contact the health insurance company or employer regarding ending coverage for the deceased, while continuing coverage for any dependents if needed.
• Contact the insurance company about all life insurance policies. You will need to provide the policy number, a certified copy of the death certificate and fill out a claim form. If the deceased was listed as the beneficiary on any policy, arrange to have the name removed.
• Contact the deceased's employer to inquire about 401(k), pension, or other company benefits. You will need a certified copy of the death certificate for each claim.
• Contact all banks and credit card companies at which the deceased had an open account and close those accounts. You will need to provide a certified copy of the death certificate to close the account.
• Seek the advice of an accountant or tax advisor about filing the deceased’s tax return for the year of the death. Keep monthly bank statements on all individual and joint accounts that show the account balance on the day of death, since you will need this information for the estate tax return.
• Arrange any joint bank accounts. If the deceased’s estate is in trust, check with the Trust Department of Customer Service at the bank.
• Notify the Registry of Motor Vehicles to cancel the deceased driver’s license. If the deceased owned a car, transfer the automobile title into your name at the Secretary of State’s Office, or if the estate is probated, through Probate Court.
• Arrange to change stocks and bonds into your name. Your bank or stockbroker will have the forms.
• Make sure that important bills, such as mortgage payments, continue to be paid.
• Manage digital legacy of the deceased. Options include memorializing their social media and email accounts, closing their accounts or leaving them open.

Documents You May Need To Complete the Tasks

• Death Certificates (~10 certified copies)
• 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 VA Claim Number
• Recent Income Tax Forms and W-2 Forms
• Automobile Title and Registration Papers
• Loan and Installment Payment Books and/or Contracts

Adapted from the 2002 Massachusetts Commission on End of Life Care. All rights reserved.