Points to discuss with your family, your attorney, or executor:
- Filing of all life insurance claims.
- Updating bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and financial portfolio.
- Changing auto and property titles.
- Contacting Social Security to change benefits and file for death benefits.
- Contacting the Veteran’s Administration and/or Railroad Retirement, if applicable.
- Contacting place of employment or union about possible benefits.
Assistance available through our funeral home:
- Additional Death Certificates (needed for settling insurance claims, etc)
- Additional Acknowledgement Cards
- Help completing VA benefit forms.
- Helping you make your own prearrangements.
- Marker selection and engraving.
- Additional cemetery information.
- Grief Recovery resources.
Helpful Instructions and Useful Phone Numbers:
- Contacting Social Security
The number for the Social Security Administration office is (800)772-1213 or online at www.ssa.gov. Benefits include a one-time benefit to the surviving spouse or dependent children. If applying for benefits other than death, you may need a birth certificate and/or marriage license. - Contacting the Veteran’s Administration
The number for the Veterans Affairs Department of Benefits Information and Assistance, 2901 Montopolis, Austin, TX is (800)827-1000 or online at www.va.gov. - Regarding Banking Information
Make a request for release from each bank or financial institution in which the deceased and you held a joint account. The bank will tell you what forms you may need to sign - About Titles, Deeds, and Registrations
Before you change the deed on any property and remove the deceased’s name, check with local officials where the property is located. You’ll need a copy of the Death Certificate for this process. The same is true for changing titles and registrations on vehicles. - Gathering Bills and Credit Obiligations
Do a thorough job gathering outstanding bills and credit obligations, like loans and credit cards. In some cases with installment loans and credit cards, you may be covered by credit life insurance which will pay off the account balance in the event of death. - Review your own insurance needs
With the passing of a spouse of other loved one, your insurance needs may change. You don’t want to be overinsured or underinsured. Talk to a trusted advisor about what is appropriate and make the necessary adjustments.