Family Assistance After a Death
One of the most overwhelming parts of losing a loved one is realizing how many organizations and agencies need to be notified. While every situation is unique, the following checklist may help you identify some of the important people and organizations to contact in the weeks and months following a death.
Remember, there is no need to do everything at once. Many of these tasks can wait until after the funeral and memorial services have taken place.
Government Agencies
Social Security Administration
Social Security should be notified as soon as possible following a death. In many cases, the funeral home can assist with this notification.
Benefits Information:
Ph:
800-772-1213 | https://www.ssa.gov
Local Office:
8331 Brandon Road
Baxter, MN 56425
Medicare
If your loved one was receiving Medicare benefits, the Social Security Administration generally notifies Medicare automatically once the death has been reported.
Minnesota Driver & Vehicle Services (DVS)
You may need to transfer or retitle vehicles, trailers, boats, or recreational vehicles owned by your loved one.
Financial & Legal Matters
Notify:
- Banks and credit unions
- Financial advisors
- Pension administrators
- Investment firms
- Credit card companies
- Mortgage lenders
- Life insurance companies
- Long-term care insurance providers
If probate or estate administration is required, you may wish to consult with an attorney familiar with Minnesota estate law.
Insurance Policies
Review all available insurance policies, including:
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Medicare supplemental plans
- Long-term care insurance
- Auto insurance
- Homeowners insurance
Many policies contain survivor benefits or provisions that family members may not be aware of.
Employment & Retirement Benefits
If your loved one was employed or retired, contact:
- Current employer
- Former employers
- Pension providers
- Union benefit offices
- Veterans organizations
- Retirement account administrators
There may be survivor benefits available through these organizations.
Property & Household Matters
Consider updating or transferring:
- Vehicle titles
- Property deeds
- Utility accounts
- Cell phone plans
- Internet and streaming services
- Memberships and subscriptions
- Safety deposit boxes
Digital Accounts
Many families overlook digital assets.
Consider reviewing:
- Email accounts
- Social media accounts
- Online banking
- Photo storage services
- Subscription services
- Cloud storage accounts
Each platform has different procedures regarding deceased account holders.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans and their families may be eligible for:
- Burial benefits
- Military funeral honors
- Presidential Memorial Certificates
- Government markers and headstones
- Survivor benefits
- For assistance, contact:
- Crow Wing County Veterans Service Office: 218-824-1058
When You Need Help
No family is expected to know how to navigate every aspect of a death.
If you're unsure where to begin, please ask. While we cannot provide legal or financial advice, we can often help point you toward trusted local resources and professionals who can assist you.
One step at a time is enough.
