How to Contact an Organization Upon the Death of a Loved One

Dealing with the death of a loved one can be a very traumatic experience. One thing that may escape our attention during such an emotional crisis is dealing with your loved one's business affairs. There are several organizations and companies that should be notified as soon as possible after the death of a loved one. It does not need to be done the same day, but within a week or two of the death you should begin to contact the appropriate businesses.

• 1

  Call the Social Security Administration Office. If the loved one was receiving Social Security benefits or if survivors may be eligible for benefits you should contact the Social Security Administration to determine if there are any extended benefits that apply to you and to make sure that there are no overpayments, which could result in the family having to repay the money. The Social Security Administration can be reached by phone at (800) 772-1213.

• 2

  Contact any insurance companies that your loved one may have a policy through. Contact the health insurance company and inform them of the death. Also, contact any life insurance companies that may have policies on the deceased. If your loved ones had any loan or a mortgage, there may be policies that you don't know about that are attached to the loans. Contact his auto insurance company, too. Most of these companies will require a certified copy of the death certificate.

• 3

  Gather credit card statements and contact the companies that your loved one had open accounts with. The credit card companies may also have certain insurances attached to the accounts. The credit card companies may also request a certified copy of the death certificate.

• 4

  Contact your loved one's employer. Inquire about pension plans, insurance plans, and other benefits.

• 5

  Contact the Veteran's Affairs Administration if your loved one was a veteran. Immediate family members may be entitled to benefits through the Veteran's Affairs Administration. They can be contacted by phone at (800) 827-1000.