After the loss of a loved one, this is a question you will likely be asking yourself. The loss of a loved one will require decisions and actions that you've never faced before.
“Proclaim as One” is a Non-Profit organization that will help you work through this process at no cost to you or your family. Here are the steps you should start taking:
Most people pick a funeral home because of its proximity to their home, or sometimes due to a family preference. Whatever the criteria, this is a decision that should be made prior to the loved one’s passing, because this is one of the first things that you will be asked after the death of your loved one. Once informed of your funeral home preference, the hospital or hospice care professional will take responsibility for contacting the funeral home and transporting your loved one to the proper location.
The funeral home staff will ask you to come in to meet with them as soon as possible, so that arrangements for the service and burial can be made. This meeting, as it can be very emotionally difficult, should involve other family members to assist with the decision-making and support.
As morbid as it might seem, your loss opens up, not only a flood emotional trauma, it also introduces a host of legal and financial procedures that you cannot afford to ignore or neglect. One of the first things that you MUST do, is acquire multiple copies of the death certificate. This will turn out to be one of the most important documents that you possess. The main person to help you through this process immediately after death is the funeral director. They’re typically the party who files the form with the state, and they can assist with receiving the proper number of copies. Six tp Twelve copies is usually a good number to have available. You might plan to keep at least one death certificate in a safe place (locked file, safe) for possible future use, but additional copies may also be ordered as needed.
Patience is important when dealing with the Social Security Administration. They are difficult to communicate with by phone, and appointments can be pushed out for several days. Typically, filing for benefits through their website is faster and a more effective.
Collect all important documents: Wills, Trusts, Death Certificates (see above), Birth Certificates, Insurance Policies, Pension Documents, etc..
Start the claim process for employee benefits with the decedent’s employer.
Start the claim process for all life insurance benefits.
If a Will is involved consult with your attorney.
Ensure that all financial obligations such as utility bills, mortgages, insurance premiums, and property taxes are up-to-date.
Speak with your financial institution(s) and financial planner to be sure that all appropriate changes are made and that all account information is up-to-date,
Speak with your tax accountant to be sure that all income tax filings are prepared and filed properly.
Create an inventory of all income, assets, liabilities, and debts.
Change ownership (Registrations, Deeds, etc.) of assets such as home(s), vehicles, and associated insurance policies.
Cancel the decedent’s driver’s license.
Notify the election board in your county of residence.
Work with a financial planner to ensure that any financial death benefits you receive will assist in meeting your long-term needs.
Update all existing financial accounts and insurance policies that have the decedent listed as the beneficiary.
Obtain access to any safe deposit boxes.
Remove decedent’s name from all bank accounts and credit card accounts.
Notify all three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) of your loved one’s death.
Review all incoming mail and make changes as needed.
Check with the hospital and finalize payment arrangements on any outstanding bills.
“Proclaim as One” is a Non-Profit organization that will help you work through this process at no cost to you or your family. This is made possible by our generous donors.
Phone: 765-617-5751
Email: ggodbey@proclaimasone.com
