Where is the family in the process? First few days after death First month of paperwork Sorting benefits and accounts Planning ahead for a future loss
Your role Spouse or partner Adult child or family helper Executor, personal representative, or trustee Friend or informal helper Not sure yet
Death certificate copies Not ordered yet Ordered or requested Received copies Not sure what is needed
Social Security or Medicare notification Funeral director may report it Family may need to call SSA Reported already Not sure
Possible survivor or death benefits Spouse, dependent child, or survivor questions Veteran, military, or burial benefit questions Pension, union, employer, or retiree benefit questions No known benefits yet Not sure
Financial accounts and bills Not started Gathering bills and statements Some companies contacted Need attorney, tax, or financial help
Digital accounts and devices Not reviewed yet Some access or contact information is known Access is unclear Privacy or family conflict concern
Home, lease, or housing status No immediate home or lease task Need to secure home, mail, car, or belongings Lease, assisted living, nursing home, or facility account Possible sale, title, mortgage, or probate issue
Funeral or memorial paperwork Not started or still comparing providers Arrangements in progress Service or disposition completed Prepaid plan or insurance-funded arrangement
Family coordination One main helper Several relatives sharing tasks Conflict, pressure, or unclear authority No local helper available
Use broad planning answers only.
Do not enter names, Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers, account numbers, policy numbers, passwords, addresses, or private legal or financial details. Keep official documents in a secure place.
This checklist is educational and organizational only. It is not legal, tax, financial, insurance, benefits, or funeral-arrangement advice. Confirm personal decisions with official programs, account providers, and qualified professionals.
Official references:
USA.gov agencies to notify ,
SSA when someone dies ,
USA.gov death certificates ,
FTC Funeral Rule ,
NIA affairs in order checklist .
