When someone dear to us dies, it’s difficult to know what to do. In spite of our best efforts in planning, nothing truly prepares us for the loss of a loved one, even though we knew it was coming.
This things-to-do-when-someone-dies checklist offers valuable tips to make remembering all that needs to be done a lot easier.
If you are responsible for arranging the funeral of the deceased, you will have many things to attend to, such as closing bank accounts, closing credit card accounts and cancelling a gym membership. Many of such tasks can add stress to an already emotional and difficult time. That’s why you shouldn’t go it alone. If someone offers their assistance, let them help and then thank them properly afterwards. Delegate tasks whenever possible.
Use this what-to-do-when-someone-dies checklist to make your task easier. Take time to study the checklist on what to do when someone dies list item to determine which tasks can be safely delegated to others, and which ones you should handle yourself.
- Arrange for funeral and burial or cremation services
- Find insurance policies
- Check Social Security benefits
- Cancel home deliveries
- Notify agent under power of attorney
- Find wills and trusts
- Find and decide on your loved one’s funeral wishes
- Have Post Office hold mail
- Notify the deceased’s doctor or coroner
- Arrange care for dependents, if any
- Should the deceased wish to donate organs or tissue, this needs to be accomplished immediately
- Arrange for care of pets
- Arrange for care or disposal of plants, food and other perishable property
- Notify immediate family and close friends
- Keep records of all funeral and related expenses
- Prepare and arrange for obituary
- Arrange care for pets, if any
- Locate safe deposit boxes
- Inform Social Security and other related agencies
- Investigate life insurance, union benefits, employee benefits, retirement plan, death benefits, Medicare and other benefits