What Needs to be Done After Your Spouse Dies?
After the loss of a spouse, you may be wondering what to do or where to start. While each situation is unique, there are some common tasks after the funeral that often fall to the surviving spouse.
Many of the institutions referenced below will request a copy of the death certificate. The funeral home typically helps with getting copies for you, but most recommendations are between 5-11. You may always request more copies from Vital Records in your state if you find you need them down the line.
Life Insurance - A call to the company where your spouse may have had a life insurance policy should be one of the first on your list. A life insurance payout can help alleviate a lot of the financial strain that comes with paying for a funeral, probate lawyer, financial advisor or other needs.
Social Security - Typically, the funeral home’s services notify the Social Security Administration, but it’s worth keeping this on the list to check on, especially if you don’t hear from them soon after your spouse’s death. Many spouses can expect a one-time $255 survivor’s check from the government, but you may be eligible for other benefits.
Financial Institutions (banks, credit cards, car loans, etc.) - Each institution has their own requirements, so start by compiling recent bills or relevant account information and making a list of the companies who need to be contacted. The main purpose of these calls is to notify them of your spouse’s passing and either ask for their name to be removed or the account to be closed.
Utilities - If any accounts with utility companies are in your spouse’s name, it’s important to contact those companies and have the bills transferred to your name and any financial information updated accordingly so service is not interrupted.
Health Insurance - The health insurance company needs to be notified of your spouse’s death, and they can work with you on any outstanding bills as applicable.
Credit Bureaus - As awful as it may be to think about, there are people who could take advantage of your spouse’s death to use their identity and credit fraudulently. In order to prevent what could be a huge headache down the line, it’s important to notify the three major credit reporting companies of your spouse’s death so they can freeze the accounts. Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian all need to be contacted and usually mailed copies of the death certificate.
Update emergency contacts - This one is easy to forget, but if you or your child(ren) have emergency contacts on file with work or school, it’s important to update that information.
Email, social media and other online accounts - Our online worlds are becoming increasingly more complicated. Depending on how many accounts your spouse had and how difficult it is to access them, you may want to download an archive or turn their profile into a memorial.
This list may seem overwhelming, but not everything needs to happen at once. Getting organized, taking breaks and asking for help are key.
Compass Coordinators was founded to provide practical help for surviving family members. If you’d like assistance with tasks like the ones listed above or have questions about your specific circumstances, please contact us.
