Who Do I Need to Notify and When?

When a death occurs, the family is usually in the midst of an emotional crisis. The Funeral Director may act as an advisor on many of the immediate problems; he or she has the knowledge and experience to relieve a family of needless worry and care.

The Death Certificate 

The Funeral Director files the Death Certificate with the county clerk and obtains the burial permit. Certified copies of the Death Certificate may be required as proof of death in settling claims.  Additional copies may be obtained for a nominal charge.

Wills

IF THERE IS A WILL, the deceased is said to have died “Testate”…the executor must file the will with the Probate Court within the time prescribed by statute and proceed with probate and distribution of the estate. The services of an attorney are advisable.

IF THERE IS NO WILL, but there is property, the deceased is said to have died “Intestate”…an administrator is appointed by the Probate Court, and the estate is distributed according to the State Statute of Descent and Distribution.

IN EITHER CASE, an attorney should be consulted.

U.S. Veterans 

Military personnel or anyone who has been honorably discharged is entitled to veterans’ benefits.

The following Veterans’ Benefits should be checked: 

1. Death Pension to the widow and minor children
2. Reimbursement of a part of the funeral expenses to the Funeral Director or the person who paid the bill
3. Burial in National cemeteries
4. Burial Flag and grave markers
5. Some states may have additional benefits.  Check the local Veterans office

Papers required for Veterans’ Benefits:

1. Itemized receipted funeral bill
2. Veterans’ discharge papers (DD-214)
3. Certified copy of Death Certificate
4. Marriage Certificate
5. Birth Certificate of minor children

Veterans’ benefits information is available from a Funeral Director, from a Veterans office or forms may be obtained from the Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C. 21230 or online at https://explore.va.gov/memorial-benefits

Veterans’ life insurance claims should be made at the same office where other benefits are applied for.

Charity Trusts

A monetary gift, in many states, may be made to a charitable organization by opening an account for yourself in a Trust savings account. At your death, the money in the account passes to the named charity. Consult your banker or attorney.

Social Security

Social Security claims should be filed immediately at the nearest office, as benefits may not be honored unless filed within two years after death. They will explain the benefits and help with claim papers without charge. The following information will be required:

1. Certified copy of the death certificate or “Statement of Death” form SSA-721
2. Deceased’s past nine months employment record (IRS FORM W-2)
3. Copy of Marriage Certificate (if married)
4. Deceased’s Social Security card or number
5. Birth Certificate of minor children (under 18)…and for children still in High School
6. Information regarding children disabled prior to age 22
7. Personal income tax returns if self-employed
8. Proof of Age, if over 60 (Birth Certificate)

DO NOT DELAY applying even though you do not possess all the required papers…the local office may suggest other proofs which can be used.

The following benefits should be discussed with the Social Security office:

1. Lump-sum death payment to the surviving spouse, minor or disabled child(ren)
2. Life pension to the widow(er) over 60 years old
3. Pension to the widow(er) with dependent children under the age of 16 years old (dependent upon certain income requirements)
4. Pension to minor children of deceased (under 18 years old)

If there is no widow(er) or children, the pension may be payable to the surviving dependent parent.

If a widow(er) 60 to 64 years old is receiving disability payments based on his/her own earnings, it may be possible to secure benefits based on his/her spouse’s earnings.

Ask about hospital and medical insurance plans and check on Medicare if you are 65 years or older.

Insurance

The local agents of all ensuring companies should be promptly notified, and they will provide claim forms. ALL policies (even those that have lapsed) should be examined, seeking any extended coverage. All policies on the lives of the survivors should be examined to determine changes in beneficiaries.

Stocks

Stocks in the deceased’s sole name require probate action. Stocks owned jointly may be transferred to the surviving owner by presentation of a certified copy of the Death Certificate to each company in which stock is jointly owned. Stock held as “Joint Tenants” transfers to the survivor upon proper documentation to the broker. Stock held as “Tenants in Common” requires probate.  A broker or banker can assist you.

Federal and state tax questions are best answered by an attorney or tax advisor.

Real Estate

The services of an attorney are advisable in ALL real estate matters.

Real estate owned jointly by husband and wife is automatically transferred to the survivor, but a certified copy of the Death Certificate should be filed with county authorities in connection with the real estate deed.

Real estate owned solely by the deceased or as a tenant in common, or jointly with someone other than husband or wife, must be probated whether or not there is a will.

Federal and state estate and gift taxes should be thoroughly researched by an attorney.

Individual Retirement Account

Under IRS regulations, an INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (IRA) may be established through a Bank, Insurance Company, or Broker. At death, any amount in the account will be paid to the beneficiaries. Consult your attorney, insurance agent, banker, or broker.

Bank Accounts

The survivor of joint bank accounts can usually withdraw from the account without legal procedure.

In large estates, there may be federal and state taxes requiring releases from government officials.  Bank accounts in the sole name of the deceased will usually require probate action. For small amounts, some banks have forms that permit payment of the balance toward funeral expenses if no other assets require probate. An attorney or bank will answer specific questions.

Safe Deposit Box

A safe deposit box, held jointly or in the deceased’s sole name, will be sealed until a county, state, or bank official can take inventory. The bank must know the date of death, the interest of the person making an inquiry, whether the key is available and whether the box was rented in the deceased’s sole name or jointly with others.

Savings Bond

Single Ownership Bond is part of the estate and will be paid or re-issued to a qualified person.

Beneficiary (one owner, payable on death to a beneficiary). The bond becomes the property of the beneficiary.  If a beneficiary dies first, no action required unless a new beneficiary or co-owner is added.  Proof of death is required for redemption or re-issue.

Co-ownership (two names on bond). The survivor becomes the owner; a beneficiary or co-owner may be added.

An attorney or banker should be consulted.

Automobile Title

If the deceased was the sole owner of a car, truck, or trailer, it is part of the estate.  Transfer of title information can be obtained from an attorney or the office where license plates are sold.

Estate and Gift Taxes

If the assets left by the deceased exceeds certain minimums, the estate may be subject to Federal and/or State Inheritance taxes.  An attorney will answer specific questions.

Protecting “Valuable Papers”

A safe deposit box is today’s best security bargain and should be the foundation of a family’s safekeeping plan.

A simple rule to determine what goes into the “box” is:  if replacement will cost money, time, or trouble, keep the document in the “box”.  This would include items such as marriage and divorce papers, naturalization papers, government-recorded documents, and auto titles.

A copy of the Will should be kept by the attorney and the original kept in the deposit box of your bank and at home.  In some states, it may be better to keep the original with an attorney for quicker access.  An attorney can answer this specific question. Stock certificates may be left with a broker or in a deposit box.

Documents to be kept at home are those that may be replaced such as all insurance policies, canceled checks, educational records, guarantees, appraisals, immunization records, tax returns, and a list of all credit cards and numbers.

IMPORTANT – Maintain a duplicate inventory of documents stored at home and in the “deposit box”.

Helpful Information

1. Obtain the services of a competent attorney.
2. Prepare written instructions indicating how financial affairs are to be handled.
3. An up-to-date Will should be properly drawn.
   1. You can specify your beneficiaries and HOW they will receive your property…outright or in trust.
   2. You can select the person or organization as the executor to settle your estate.
   3. You can select a guardian of minor children.
   4. You can leave charitable bequests.
4. Insurance and pension benefits should be made in a way to meet the needs of your family.
5. Provisions should be made for the education expense of minor children.