After a Death

After the Funeral: A Checklist

Maria Cho, CT · As of October 5, 2026 · 5 min read

When the funeral is over, the paperwork remains. This list starts with what is most urgent. For the first hours after a death, see A death has occurred.

First two weeks

• Order enough certified copies of the death certificate. Banks, insurers, pension offices and title changes each ask for a certified copy. The funeral home usually orders them for you. With several accounts and policies you may need 5 to 10.
• Notify Social Security. The funeral home usually reports the death, but it is safer for the family to confirm. A benefit payment received for the month of death has to be returned.
• Find the will and any trust documents. If they exist, contact the attorney who prepared them.

First month

• Ask about survivor benefits. A spouse or minor child may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits. An eligible spouse or child can also receive a one-time payment of $255. You cannot apply online; apply by phone or in person.
• Claim life insurance and pensions. You will need the policy number and a certified death certificate. Check whether there was group coverage through an employer.
• Notify the banks. Joint accounts, payable-on-death accounts and sole accounts are each handled differently.
• If your parent was a veteran, ask the Department of Veterans Affairs about burial benefits.

Within three months

• Close credit cards and move automatic payments. Cancel cards in the deceased’s name, and transfer or stop utilities and subscriptions.
• Notify the three credit bureaus. This helps prevent identity theft.
• Handle the driver’s license and vehicle title. Notify the DMV and transfer the title.
• Check the title to the home and other property. The process depends on whether it is in a trust or jointly owned. This is one to discuss with an attorney.
• Prepare the final tax return. The income tax return for the year of death is filed by the survivors or the executor.

If your parent was a Korean citizen or had assets in Korea

• Report the death in Korea. From the U.S. this can be done through the Korean consulate general for your area.
• Bank accounts, property or pensions in Korea need a separate inheritance process there.

Still have questions?

The answer depends on your family's situation. Ask in a free 30-minute consultation.