Who Else Should Know About a Loved One’s Passing

It can be emotionally draining to utter the words that a loved one has passed away. After sharing the tragic news with immediate family, figuring out who else should be notified can seem like a monumental task. But quickly alerting others could lighten the financial burdens that may arise after a loved one’s passing. Here’s a list of people and organizations that should be notified of the death. 

Employers or Business Partners 

Informing your loved one's employer or business partners about their passing can help clarify financial or legal obligations. Their death might impact benefits, insurance policies, or contracts. Prompt communication can prevent unexpected issues later on. 

For instance, notifying their employer ensures their 401(k) or pension gets properly distributed, avoiding delays caused by lack of notification.

Insurance Companies 

Notify life, health, or property insurers about your loved one's death. These policies may provide benefits to assist with final expenses or leave money to beneficiaries. Informing insurers ensures any claims or payouts are processed promptly.

Insurance companies should be contacted as soon as possible with details like the date and place of death to review policies and begin handling claims. A copy of the death certificate will be required.

Health Care Providers

Share the news with the deceased's health care providers, including their primary care doctor, specialists, and any home health care providers. This is important for multiple reasons, including closing their medical records and settling outstanding bills. Next, consider contacting pharmacies where the deceased had ongoing prescriptions to cancel them and prevent unnecessary charges.

Federal Agencies 

If your loved one was receiving Social Security benefits or served in the U.S. military, your family might qualify for a survivor death payment or other death benefits. These programs can provide support during this difficult time.

Reach out to relevant agencies, such as the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs, as soon as possible. Prompt notification can prevent unnecessary delays or difficulties when accessing these benefits.

Financial Institutions 

Properly closing accounts helps prevent identity theft and ensures funds are distributed as intended. Inform banks and creditors promptly to settle the deceased's financial affairs and pass assets to the correct beneficiaries.

Credit Reporting Bureaus 

Alerting the major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, about the death of your loved one is a crucial step in preventing identity theft. Each bureau can place a credit freeze on the credit file. This prevents unauthorized individuals from using the deceased's identification to establish new lines of credit, thus providing an additional layer of security against fraudulent activities.

Notifying the appropriate parties after a loved one's passing helps ensure surviving family members have access to financial support and resources they may need during this time. Consult with a qualified attorney or tax advisor for assistance with compiling a complete list of who else should be notified of your loved one’s passing. 

Need more information? We're here to help with our guide on managing your loved one's financial accounts, along with a checklist to help track important documents and stay informed.

NOTE: This article is for informational purposes only. Please speak with a qualified attorney or tax advisor for assistance with additional actions you may need to take based on your specific situation.