Once You Have Received Certified Copies of the Death Certificate You Can Proceed with the Following Steps
Notify the three major credit reporting agencies – theft of a departed significant other’s identity is common. The Identity Theft Resource Center is a good place to start. Cancel individual credit cards (phone numbers can usually be found on the card or on the most recent statement). Be sure that if you hold credit cards jointly, the credit card company doesn’t cancel your card without sending you a replacement.
Cancel unwanted subscriptions (to avoid ongoing costs for the survivor).
Cancel redundant cell phone and email service. Check to see if forwarding service is available from your spouse’s account and if a reduced rate is available.
Contact Life Insurance companies, making sure to check with your loved one’s employer for any group term life coverage, to confirm what life insurance policies are in effect. The policy’s agent can often help you with the claim form once you provide a certified copy of the death certificate). A directory for life insurance companies, information about filing claims and other helpful topics can be found at the Insurance Information Institute website.
Send written thank you notes to those who sent flowers, made contributions, brought food or ran errands for you.
Learn what benefits are available to you from your loved one’s employer or employment savings; these benefits may include health insurance, stock options, life insurance and pensions.
Order more certified copies of the death certificate at the mortuary than you think you’ll need unless you are on a strict budget. Generally 10 copies are sufficient. You will need copies of the death certificate to transfer ownership of your house(s), car(s), safe deposit box, and for each stock certificate, retirement plan, insurance distribution, mutual fund or brokerage account. You may order additional copies in the future, but it’s simpler to have an extra one on hand if the need arises.
If your spouse served in the military, a range of services may be available to you from the Veterans Administration. Forms are available for you to apply to receive a US Flag, a White House certificate commemorating the veteran’s time of service, a headstone, burial in a national cemetery or a small monetary gratuity.
If you are selling or updating the title to your automobile(s), check your state’s requirements. You may search your own state’s Internet web pages, or refer to DMV.ORG for help. Retitle real estate, loan, banking and investment accounts. Advise the appropriate state’s Department of Motor Vehicles of the loss of your loved one if he or she had a state issued driver’s license. You may search your own state’s Internet web pages, or refer to DMV.ORG for help.
Be aware that fraudulent charitable organizations often solicit recently bereaved spouses. Be sure that YOU choose the charities that you want to support, not the organizations who call you on the phone. GuideStar or Charity Navigator can help you find legitimate charities—those with tax-deductible, non-profit status.
