After-Death Checklist
Important U.S. notifications after someone dies
This practical guide helps families understand where to start: funeral home, death certificate, Social Security, mail, banks, benefits, insurance and fraud protection. It is not legal or financial advice.
High-Priority Notifications
| Task | Official/resource route | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Report death to Social Security | SSA when someone dies or USA.gov SSA death report | Funeral homes often report, but family may need to call SSA if no funeral home is involved. |
| Request death certificates | USA.gov death certificate and CDC/NCHS vital records | Needed for insurance, banks, estate and benefit claims. |
| Notify agencies/organizations | USA.gov report a death | USA.gov lists financial institutions and organizations families may need to contact. |
| Manage deceased mail | USPS mail for deceased | Executor/administrator may need documentation for forwarding mail. |
| Report identity theft | IdentityTheft.gov | Official FTC recovery tool for identity theft reports and steps. |
| Report scams/fraud | ReportFraud.ftc.gov | Use for suspected fraud, scams or bad business practices. |
Suggested Order of Action
- Work with the funeral home.Ask whether they will report the death to Social Security and how many death certificate copies families usually need.
- Order certificates from official vital records.Use state/local vital records, not a random search ad.
- Notify benefit and financial institutions.Contact SSA, pension plans, banks, insurance, credit cards, utilities, subscriptions and membership organizations as applicable.
- Secure mail and identity.Use USPS rules and official fraud reporting routes if needed.
- Keep a document log.Record date contacted, phone number, case number and documents sent for each organization.
Legal authority may be required
Banks, credit bureaus, USPS and agencies may require proof that you are an executor, administrator, spouse, beneficiary or authorized representative. Rules vary.