Important Steps Families Should Take After a Funeral

Losing a spouse or close family member is difficult and in the first few days you are consumed with funeral and burial arrangements. After the funeral there are still many items that will need your close attention. Your funeral director may help you take care of some of these items as part of his service, but it will still be up to you to make sure you have all of the records available so you can receive all the benefits available to you.

Death Certificate – You will need at least two dozen copies of the death certificate in order to collect on insurance policies or any benefits you are eligible for. Your funeral director may be able to help you obtain the copies you need.

Estate – If the deceased left a will you will be able to begin the process of settling the estate. If there is no will you will need to follow the laws of your state concerning estates.

Official Papers and Financials – Gather together the deceased’s official papers such as tax returns from the past five years, bank statements, birth and marriage certificates, social security card and military discharge papers. Check for any recent statements for retirement accounts, stock, CD’s or mutual fund accounts. Having all of these important papers will help you as you apply for death benefits or settle the estate.

Insurance – The deceased may have a life insurance policy either on his own or through an employer, or both. Also, check their homeowner’s policy as some contain a pay-off benefit in the case of the owner’s death. You will need to apply for these benefits in order to receive them.

Social Security Benefits – If your spouse has passed you may be eligible for one or more benefits from the Social Security Administration depending upon your age and whether you still have children at home. Children of the deceased may be eligible for benefits as well as help with college tuition. There is also a one-time death benefit of $255 to help pay for the funeral. You must apply for any or all of these benefits in order to receive them.

Veterans’ Benefits – If the deceased served in the armed forces there may be benefits available to their spouse or other surviving family members. Depending upon length of service they may be eligible for free burial in a national cemetery, a free headstone, money to help pay for the burial, cremation or a headstone, or the continuation of disability benefits if the deceased was receiving them at the time of death. Check with the Department of Veterans Affairs to find out what benefits you may be eligible for.

While you may not feel like taking care of these housekeeping matters so soon after the loss of a loved one it is important that you do so you receive all the benefits that you are eligible for.