What to Do After a Loss
Losing someone you love is one of the most difficult experiences in life. In the midst of grief, there are practical matters that need attention. This step-by-step checklist is designed to help guide you through the days and weeks ahead, so you can focus on what matters most — honoring your loved one and supporting one another.
Immediate Steps — The First 24 Hours
Notify immediate family and close friends
Reach out to the people closest to your loved one. Designate one or two family members to help spread the word so the burden doesn't fall on one person. A phone call is generally more appropriate than a text message for close relatives.
Contact a funeral home
If a death occurs at home under hospice care, the hospice nurse will guide you through next steps. If the death is unexpected, call 911 first. In all cases, a funeral home will need to be contacted to arrange transportation and begin planning services. You can search for funeral homes in your area on our directory.
Secure the home and personal belongings
If your loved one lived alone, make sure their home is locked and secure. Bring in mail, adjust the thermostat, and care for any pets. Do not rush to sort through belongings — that can wait.
Locate important documents
Begin looking for the will, trust documents, life insurance policies, Social Security card, military discharge papers (DD-214), and any pre-arranged funeral plans. Check a home safe, filing cabinet, or safe deposit box.
Contact the person's employer (if applicable)
Let the employer know so they can process any final paychecks, benefits, or life insurance through the workplace. Ask about any pension or retirement plan death benefits.
During the First Week
Obtain certified copies of the death certificate
The funeral home typically helps you order death certificates from the state vital records office. Request at least 10 to 15 certified copies — you will need them for insurance claims, bank accounts, real estate transfers, and government agencies. Each copy usually costs between $5 and $25 depending on the state.
Plan the funeral or memorial service
Work with the funeral home to plan the visitation, funeral, and burial or cremation. If your loved one left written wishes or a pre-plan, follow those instructions. Decide on readings, music, pallbearers, and who will deliver the eulogy.
Write and publish the obituary
Draft an obituary that honors your loved one's life. Many funeral homes will publish the obituary on their website and in local newspapers. You can also share it on WhoPassedOn so friends and extended family can leave condolences and share memories.
Notify Social Security Administration
Report the death to Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213. The funeral home may report it on your behalf, but confirm this. A surviving spouse may be eligible for a $255 lump-sum death payment and ongoing survivor benefits. See our Social Security after death guide for details.
Contact life insurance companies
File claims with each life insurance provider. You will need certified copies of the death certificate and the policy numbers. Benefits are typically paid within 30 to 60 days of filing.
During the First Month
Notify banks and financial institutions
Contact each bank, credit union, brokerage, and retirement account provider. Some joint accounts can be updated with a death certificate; individual accounts may need to go through probate. Cancel any automatic payments that are no longer needed.
Contact the attorney or begin probate
If your loved one had a will, contact the named executor and the attorney who drafted the documents. If there is no will, the estate may need to go through the probate court in the county where the person lived. An estate attorney can guide you through this process.
File for veterans benefits (if applicable)
If the deceased was a veteran, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to inquire about burial benefits, headstones, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. See our veterans burial benefits guide for more information.
Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and memberships
Contact utility companies, phone providers, streaming services, gym memberships, and magazine subscriptions. Some may require a death certificate to close the account. Transfer any accounts that will remain active (such as utilities at a jointly owned home) into the surviving person's name.
Notify the IRS and prepare for taxes
A final income tax return must be filed for the deceased for the year of death. If the estate generates income (such as interest or rent), a separate estate tax return may also be required. Consider working with a tax professional who has experience with estate filings.
Update your own estate documents
If the person who passed was named as a beneficiary, executor, or power of attorney in your own documents, update those records. This is also a good time to review your own will, insurance policies, and beneficiary designations.
Taking Care of Yourself
Amid all of these tasks, remember to give yourself grace. Grief is not linear, and there is no right or wrong way to experience it. Lean on family and friends, accept help when it is offered, and do not hesitate to seek professional support if you need it. Our grief support resources page includes hotlines, support groups, and coping strategies that may help during this difficult time.
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