Death To-Do List

Overview

"Grief is the price we pay for love." - Queen Elizabeth II

While death marks the end of life, survivors face significant administrative responsibilities. This guide recommends completing tasks within a month of death to prevent overpayments and complications.

Documents You May Need

• Social Security Card (deceased)
• Marriage Certificate
• Birth Certificates (for children, if applicable)
• Insurance Policies
• Deed and Titles to Property
• Bank Books
• Discharge Papers (DD214)
• Recent Tax Forms and W-2s
• Automobile Title and Registration
• Loan and Installment Payment Books/Contracts

Complete To-Do List

Initial Steps

• Review the Veteran's Death and Survivor benefits pages to understand available entitlements
• Obtain 10-15 copies of the death certificate from the funeral home or state vital records office
• Account for all ongoing financial obligations (car, house, utilities)

Important Note: You are generally not responsible for the deceased's debts if you didn't co-sign them—debts typically remain with the estate.

Benefit and Payment Notifications

VA Benefits: Contact 1-800-827-1000 if the Veteran received disability or pension benefits

Social Security: Call 1-800-772-1213 - Surviving spouses should inquire about increased benefits eligibility - Check if minor children qualify for benefits

Military Retirement: - Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS): 1-800-538-9552 - Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS): 1-888-332-7411

Federal Civil Service Employment: Contact Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at 1-888-767-6738

Current Employment: Contact employer for pension plans and death benefits information

Insurance and Financial Matters

Health Insurance: Contact provider to terminate deceased's coverage while maintaining yours

Life Insurance: - Contact all life insurance companies with policy numbers and certified death certificate - Complete claim forms - Remove deceased's name as beneficiary from other policies - SGLI/VGLI/FSGLI: Call VA at 1-877-832-4943 - S-DVI and VALife: Call VA at 1-800-669-8477

Banking and Investments: - Change joint bank accounts to individual accounts - Contact Trust Department if estate is in trust - Transfer investment assets

Automobile: Transfer title at Secretary of State's Office or through Probate Court

Tax Matters: Consult a tax advisor about filing the deceased's final return; retain bank statements showing account balances on the date of death for estate tax purposes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I locate unknown bank/retirement accounts? - Search existing statements in safe locations - Check computer web history - Ask family and friends - Search Unclaimed.org - Contact major institutions: Citi, Chase, Charles Schwab, Navy Federal, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), US Bank, USAA, Vanguard

How do I find unknown life insurance policies? - Check saved statements and web history - Search National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) - Search Unclaimed.org - Inquire with major financial institutions

The will said I'd receive insurance proceeds, but the company denied my claim. Why? The policy's named beneficiary designation supersedes will provisions. Wills cannot override existing beneficiary designations.