Who to Notify When Someone Dies: A Complete Checklist

After a loved one dies, the list of people and organizations to notify can feel endless. This guide gives you a prioritized, comprehensive checklist — organized by timeline — so you know who to contact and when.

Tip: Order at least 10–12 certified copies of the death certificate before you start making notifications. You will need original certified copies (not photocopies) for most official notifications.

Immediate Notifications (Within 24–72 Hours)

Family and close friends

Notify immediate family first — children, siblings, parents — in person or by phone if possible. Then close friends. Consider designating one family member to coordinate notifications to prevent the same person from hearing the news multiple times from different sources, or learning from social media before being told personally.

Medical examiner or coroner (if applicable)

If the death occurred outside a medical setting (home, accident scene), call 911. Emergency services will notify the medical examiner or coroner as needed.

Funeral home

Contact the funeral home to arrange transportation of the body and begin making arrangements. If no pre-plan exists, you can contact multiple funeral homes to compare prices before committing.

Employer (the deceased's)

Notify the employer promptly so payroll can be stopped and HR can begin processing final pay, benefits, and life insurance. Ask about pension survivor benefits, group life insurance, and unpaid leave payouts.

Within the First Week

Social Security Administration

Call 1-800-772-1213 to report the death. Stop any ongoing benefit payments. Ask about survivor benefits for eligible family members and the one-time $255 death payment. Note: banks often notify SSA automatically for direct deposit recipients, but it's best to call yourself to ensure survivor benefits are discussed.

Veterans Administration (if applicable)

If the deceased was a veteran, call 1-800-827-1000 to notify the VA and ask about burial benefits, survivors' pension, and DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation).

Life insurance companies

Begin the claims process with each life insurance company. You'll need the policy number and a death certificate.

Attorney and financial advisor

Notify the deceased's attorney (who may hold the will) and financial advisor. They can guide you through next steps for the estate.

Within the First Month

Banks and credit unions

Notify each financial institution where the deceased held accounts. Bring certified copies of the death certificate and, if you're the executor, your Letters Testamentary.

Credit card companies

Notify each credit card issuer. For sole accounts, they'll initiate their process for closing the account and filing a claim against the estate. For joint accounts, update the account to your name.

Investment and brokerage firms

Contact each brokerage to begin the process of transferring or closing accounts, according to beneficiary designations or estate administration.

Mortgage company or landlord

Notify the mortgage servicer or landlord to begin the process of transferring the mortgage or modifying the lease agreement.

Insurance companies

Notify auto insurance, homeowners/renters insurance, and health insurance companies. Cancel or transfer coverage as appropriate. Keep homeowners insurance active while the property is in the estate.

Pension and retirement plan administrators

Contact any defined benefit pension plan or 401k/403b administrator to initiate survivor benefit claims.

Government Agencies to Notify

• IRS: No separate notification needed — the death is reported on the final tax return. However, if the deceased owed taxes or was under audit, the estate should address this.
• Medicare: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report the death and stop any Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage
• Medicaid: Contact your state Medicaid office if the deceased was a Medicaid recipient
• State DMV: The vehicle title will need to be transferred or the registration cancelled
• US Passport Agency: Cancel a deceased person's passport by mailing it to the State Department with a death certificate
• Voter registration: Contact the county board of elections to remove the deceased from voter rolls
• US Postal Service: Submit a Change of Address form (or forward mail to the executor's address) to redirect the deceased's mail

Online Accounts and Subscriptions

• Email providers (Google, Apple, Microsoft)
• Social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn)
• Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Amazon Prime)
• Shopping accounts (Amazon, eBay)
• Any active subscriptions identified on bank and credit card statements

For detailed guidance on closing digital accounts, see our guide to closing and transferring accounts after a death.

Credit Bureaus (For Identity Protection)

Notify all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — of the death. This places a deceased indicator on the credit file, preventing new fraudulent accounts from being opened. This is an important identity theft protection step. See our guide to protecting a deceased person's identity.

Other Individuals to Consider Notifying

• Doctor and healthcare providers
• Dentist
• Pharmacies (to stop prescription refills)
• Church, religious community, or civic organizations the deceased was a member of
• Alumni associations and professional organizations
• Book clubs, hobby groups, volunteer organizations
• Schools or universities if children are enrolled

For the full timeline of administrative tasks after a death, see our guide to handling practical matters after loss.