DEATH NOTIFICATION CHECKLIST

When a family member or friend dies, it is important to notify various government agencies, banks, creditors and credit reporting agencies of the death. Notifications should be made as soon after the death as possible.

            You should initially make telephone calls followed by written notification. Have the decedent's social security number, a copy of the death certificate and, if you are the personal representative (executor) of the decedent's estate, proof of your appointment from the probate court. Make sure to keep copies of everything that you send in writing.

            At the time of your loss, this can seem like a daunting task. In an effort to make things easier, below is a checklist of possible agencies and businesses that should be notified of the death. Each situation is unique, so the list may not be comprehensive.

GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES

1. ___ Social Security Administration, 800-772-1213 (everyone). The funeral home may have already notified them, but it is best to confirm that with the funeral director.
2. ___ Veteran's Administration (if decedent was ever in the military)
3. ___ Defense Finance and Accounting Service, 216-522-6680 (if decedent was a military retiree receiving benefits)
4. ___ Office of Personnel Management, 888-767-6738 (if decedent was a retired or former federal civil service employee)
5. ___ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, 800-375-5283 (if decedent was not a U.S. citizen)
6. ___ State Department of Motor Vehicles (if decedent had a driver's license or state I.D.)

FINANCIAL COMPANIES

1. ___ Credit card companies
2. ___ Banks, savings and loans and credit unions
3. ___ Mortgage companies and lenders
4. ___ Financial planners and stockbrokers
5. ___ Pension providers

INSURANCE COMPANIES

1. ___ Life insurers and annuity companies
2. ___ Health, medical and dental insurers
3. ___ Disability insurer
4. ___ Auto insurer
5. ___ Mutual benefit companies

CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES

You should notify all three credit reporting agencies to list all of the deceased accounts as “Closed. Account holder is deceased.” You may also request a credit report from them for the deceased.

1. ___ Experian, 888-397-3742, PO Box 9701, Allen, TX 75013
2. ___ Equifax, 800-525-6285, PO Box 105069, Atlanta, GA 30348
3. ___ Transunion, 800-680-7289, PO Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834

MEMBERSHIPS

1. ___ Professional associations and unions
2. ___ Health clubs ad gyms
3. ___ Auto clubs
4. ___ Library
5. ___ Alumni clubs
6. ___ Service organizations

DO NOT CONTACT LIST

For a fee of $1.00, you can list the decedent's name on the Deceased Do Not Contact List.

1. ___ Direct Marketing Association-(register at www.ims-dm.com/cgi/ddnc).