Who to notify when someone dies: the complete checklist

Notify close family first, then the funeral home, which usually reports the death to Social Security for you. Next come their employer, banks, insurance companies, the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), and anyone who sends them a bill or a benefit. Have certified death certificates, their Social Security number and a list of their accounts ready before you call.

For the timeline of what to do first, see our step-by-step guide.

What do I need before I start calling?

Several certified copies of the death certificate. Some offices want an original, so count before you order. (See how to get a death certificate in Texas.)
Their full legal name, date of birth and Social Security number.
A list of their accounts, policies and bills. If nobody has one, our guide on what happens to accounts when someone dies explains where to look.
A notebook or a shared note for every call: date, who you spoke with, reference number.

Who should I call first when someone dies?

Close family and friends. Ask one or two people to help spread the word so you're not making every call yourself.
Their doctor or the hospice, if the death happened at home. They confirm the death so the funeral home can act.
The funeral home. It usually files the death certificate and generally reports the death to Social Security.
Their employer, if they were working: final paycheck, unused vacation pay, workplace life insurance and retirement plans.

Which government offices need to know about a death?

Social Security. The funeral home generally reports the death. If no funeral home is involved, call 1-800-772-1213 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.). A surviving spouse may qualify for a one-time $255 payment, and family members may qualify for monthly survivor benefits. Full details in how to report a death to Social Security. Source: ssa.gov.
Veterans Affairs, if they served. Burial benefits (such as burial in a VA national cemetery, a burial allowance and a headstone or marker) and survivor benefits may apply. VA benefits line: 1-800-827-1000. Source: va.gov.
The IRS, through a final tax return. The surviving spouse or representative files it by the usual deadline. A representative who isn't court-appointed uses Form 1310 to claim a refund. Source: irs.gov.
The driver's license office and the DMV, for the license and any vehicle title. In Texas, vehicle titles are transferred at the county tax office.
The post office. If you lived with them, you can manage their mail. If you live somewhere else, go to a Post Office with proof that you're the executor or administrator; a death certificate alone isn't enough. Source: usps.com.
Their voter registration. In Texas, the state shares death records with county voter registrars every week, and the registrar cancels the registration. A close relative can also send the registrar a sworn statement. Source: Texas Election Code ch. 16.
The consulate, if they were a citizen of another country. For Mexican citizens, see bringing a loved one home to Mexico.

Which banks and credit accounts do I notify?

Each bank and credit union. Ask how they handle the account and what they need from you. Wait to close joint accounts or move money until you know who has the legal right to.
Credit card companies and lenders (mortgage, car loan). Ask them to note the death on the account.
The three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Social Security notifies them, but it can take months. Mail each one a copy of the death certificate so the file is marked "deceased." This protects against identity thieves who read obituaries to open accounts in the person's name. Source: Iowa Attorney General.
Investment and retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, brokerage).

Which insurance companies do I notify?

Life insurance, including policies through work or a union. You'll need a claim form and a death certificate.
Health insurance, Medicare plans and Medicaid, to stop coverage and premiums.
Home, auto and renters insurance. Keep coverage on the house and car until they're sold or transferred.

Who else sends them a bill or a benefit?

Utilities, phone, internet and streaming services.
Their landlord, if they rented.
Their attorney and accountant, if they had one.
Their email, social media and photo accounts. Our guide on digital accounts after death covers how each company handles it.
Clubs, churches, gyms and subscriptions.
If they owned a business: partners, key clients, suppliers and the bank. See protecting a business if the owner can't work.

What mistakes should families avoid after a death?

Mailing an original death certificate to everyone. Ask whether a copy is acceptable first.
Paying debts from your own pocket too soon. Family members generally don't have to pay a relative's debts with their own money. Exceptions include co-signers and, in community property states like Texas, some spouses. Talk to a licensed attorney before you pay. Source: FTC.
Leaving accounts open "for now." Close or flag them once you have the authority to.
One person doing everything. Split the list: one person takes government offices, another takes banks and bills.

Why does the list go faster when they left information?

Every item above is a phone call that starts with "Do you have their account number?" When the family already knows which bank, which policy and which login, each call is short. The emergency binder checklist shows what to gather while everyone is here.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is responsible for notifying everyone when someone dies?

Usually the executor or the closest family member, but anyone can help with the calls. Some offices only share details with the executor or personal representative.

Does the funeral home notify Social Security?

Usually yes. Social Security says funeral homes generally report the death. If no funeral home is involved, call 1-800-772-1213.

How do I prevent identity theft after a death?

Mail a copy of the death certificate to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion so the credit file is marked "deceased." Then close or flag cards and accounts once you have the authority to.

How many death certificates will I need?

It depends on how many accounts there are. Banks, insurers and investment firms often want a certified copy, so count them before you order.

Is this legal advice?

No. It's a general checklist. Rules vary by state and by company; for an estate question, talk to a licensed attorney.

Sources

General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or talk to a licensed professional about your situation.