Important steps after the death of a loved one

Losing one’s spouse, parent or loved one is devastating. Trying to get a handle on all the practical tasks while simultaneously arranging the burial and funeral can feel impossible.

2019-10-15

Here is a checklist to make it easier.

1. Get 10-15 death certificates.
   You will likely need certified death certificates in order to close bank accounts, insurance policies, professional organizations, credit cards, etc. While you can order copies from Vital Records, it may take five to six weeks by mail. Same-day expedited service is available in the Raleigh office. You can also obtain death certificates from the Register of Deeds in the county where your loved one died. (To find addresses and phone numbers, go to http://www.ncard.us/). Here is a link to the application. If you are going to pick up the documents in person, make sure you bring the required ID with you.
2. Notify your local Social Security office as soon as possible.
   In most cases, the funeral director will notify Social Security of your loved one's death. If not, call 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local office. You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 AM and 7 PM Monday through Friday. It is especially important if your loved one was receiving benefits. If there is any overpayment, it will require complicated repayment. Even a payment received for the month of death may need to be returned.
3. Confirm Medicare has been notified.
   If your loved one received Medicare, Social Security will inform the program of the death. If the deceased had been enrolled in Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), Medicare Advantage plan or had a Medigap policy, contact these plans at the phone numbers provided on each plan membership card to cancel the insurance.
4. Look into employment benefits.
   It would be prudent to contact the employer for information about pension plan, life insurance and any death benefits. You will need a death certificate.
5. Stop health insurance.
   If the deceased had a Medicare Supplement Plan and/or a Drug Plan, or any other kind of insurance, notify the company.
6. Notify life insurance companies.
   If your loved one had life insurance, appropriate claim forms will need to be filed. You will need to provide a death certificate and the policy number.
7. Terminate other insurance policies.
   Contact the providers. That could include homeowner's, automobile and so forth. Claim forms will require a copy of the death certificate.
8. Make a list of important bills that were in the name of the deceased.
   Arrange to change the name to the surviving spouse or an adult child.
9. Contact financial advisers, stockbrokers, etc.
   Depending on the type of asset, the beneficiary may get access to the account or benefit by simply filling out appropriate forms and providing a copy of the death certificate. If there are complications, the executor could be called upon to help out.
10. Notify the banks.
    Change ownership of joint bank accounts. Did the deceased have a safe deposit box? You will need to take a death certificate.
11. Close credit card accounts.
    For each account, call the customer service phone number on the credit card, monthly statement or issuer's website. Let the agent know that you would like to close the account of a deceased relative. Upon request, submit a copy of the death certificate by fax or email. Once the company receives the certificate, it will close the account as of the date of death.
12. Notify credit reporting agencies.
    To minimize the chance of identity theft, provide copies of the death certificate to the three major firms — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — as soon as possible so the account is flagged. Four to six weeks later, check the deceased's credit history to ensure no fraudulent accounts have been opened.
13. Cancel driver's license.
    Clearing the driver's license record will remove the deceased's name from the records of the department of motor vehicles and help prevent identity theft. For information on how to do this, visit or call the NC Department of Motor Vehicles.
14. Cancel email and website accounts.
    It's a good idea to close social media and other online accounts to avoid fraud or identity theft. The procedures for each website will vary. For instance, Google Mail (Gmail) will ask you to provide a death certificate, a photocopy of your driver's license and other detailed information.
15. Cancel memberships in organizations.
    Reach out to sororities, fraternities, professional organizations, etc., the deceased belonged to and find out how to handle his/her membership status. Greek organizations may want to hold a special ceremony for your loved one.
16. Notify the election board.
    According to a 2012 Pew Center report, almost 2 million people on voter registration rolls are dead.
17. If relevant, change the remaining spouse's Healthcare and/or Durable Power of Attorney.