After a Loss — Complete Checklist
This checklist is a guide, not a deadline. Work through it at a pace that feels manageable. Delegate what you can. Accept help when it's offered.
This is a printable checklist
Print this page and check off each item as you go. There's no rush — work through it at your own pace.
Notify immediate family members
Designate one or two people to help spread the word
Contact a funeral home
They will arrange transportation and guide you through next steps
If death was unexpected or at home, call 911 first
Secure the home if they lived alone
Lock up, bring in mail, care for any pets
Begin locating important documents
Will, insurance policies, Social Security card
Notify their employer if applicable
Obtain certified death certificates
Order 10–15 copies — you will need them for many accounts and institutions
Plan the funeral or memorial service
Work with the funeral home; follow any pre-arranged wishes
Write and publish the obituary
Families can create a memorial at remembering.whopassedon.com
Notify the Social Security Administration
Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask about survivor benefits
Contact life insurance companies
File a claim with each policy; you will need certified death certificates
Arrange care for any dependents or pets
Delegate receiving food and coordinating visitors
This is an easy task to assign to a willing friend or family member
Contact banks and financial institutions
Joint accounts can often be updated; individual accounts may require probate
Notify credit card companies
Cancel cards in their name only; transfer joint accounts
Contact investment and retirement accounts
IRA, 401k, brokerage — each has its own beneficiary process
Contact an estate attorney or begin probate
Required if there is a will or significant assets
File for veterans benefits if applicable
Call 1-800-827-1000 or visit va.gov for burial and survivor benefits
Cancel or transfer utilities and subscriptions
Electric, internet, phone, streaming services, gym memberships
Notify the IRS and prepare for the final tax return
A final return must be filed for the year of death
Transfer or sell vehicles
Requires the death certificate and title; process varies by state
Notify the post office
Request mail forwarding or hold
Cancel voter registration and driver's license
Contact your county clerk and state DMV
Address digital accounts
Email, social media, Amazon, Apple ID — see our Estate Planning guide
File the final income tax return
Due April 15 of the following year; consider a tax professional familiar with estates
Close or transfer the estate
Distribute assets per the will; probate timeline varies by state
Update your own estate documents
If they were named in your will, power of attorney, or beneficiary designations
Review and update your own will
Cancel any remaining annual subscriptions
Annual subscriptions may renew automatically without notice
Handle remaining property
Storage units, vacation property, tools — each may require separate attention
File for any remaining benefits
Pension survivor benefits, union benefits, fraternal organization benefits
Seek grief support if you need it
A counselor, support group, or trusted community. You don't have to carry this alone.
Notes
Create a free online memorial
A permanent space for photos, stories, and shared memories — beautifully designed and free to create at remembering.whopassedon.com