What is the first thing you do after someone dies?

Asked by: Ms. Alisa Lowe II  |  Last update: June 23, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (11 votes)

But if your relative died at home, especially if the death was unexpected, you'll need to get a medical professional to declare them dead. To do this, call 911 soon after your loved one passes and have them transported to an emergency room, where they can be declared dead and moved to a funeral home.

What not to do immediately after someone dies?

What Not to Do When Someone Dies: 10 Common Mistakes
  • Not Obtaining Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate.
  • 2- Delaying Notification of Death.
  • 3- Not Knowing About a Preplan for Funeral Expenses.
  • 4- Not Understanding the Crucial Role a Funeral Director Plays.
  • 5- Letting Others Pressure You Into Bad Decisions.

Who notifies Social Security when someone dies?

Social Security and Medicare

The funeral director should report the death to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for you. If they do not, you must do this as soon as possible. SSA will notify Medicare.

What paperwork needs to be done after a death?

Generally, you will need one certified copy of the death certificate for each major asset, such as cars, land, or bank accounts, for which you will need to transfer ownership. You may also need a certified copy for items such as life insurance policies, veterans' survivor benefits, and annuities.

What is the first step after someone dies?

Getting a legal pronouncement of death.

If someone dies while not in medical or hospice care, call 911. When paramedics arrive, they will generally start resuscitation. If the person has a “do not resuscitate order,” present that to the paramedics when they arrive.

The First Thing to Do When Someone Dies

34 related questions found

How many days does a soul stay after death?

In all traditions, the 40 days after death mark not only the end of life but also the continuation of the soul's journey, so they remind us of the great spiritual significance of respecting the dead through these ageless rites.

Why shouldn't you always tell your bank when someone dies?

If you contact the bank before consulting an attorney, you risk account freezes, which could severely delay auto-payments and direct deposits and most importantly mortgage payments. You should call Social Security right away to tell them about the death of your loved one.

What documents do I need after a death?

You'll also need to gather together the following documents:
  • medical certificate of the cause of death (signed by a doctor) for registering the death.
  • birth certificate.
  • marriage/civil partnership certificates.
  • NHS number/NHS medical card.
  • organ donor card.

Who gets the $250 Social Security death benefit?

Program Description. Are you the surviving spouse or caregiver for the child of a worker who died? If so, you or the child(ren) may be eligible to get a lump-sum death payment of $255. To qualify, you or the child(ren) must meet certain conditions.

Can I withdraw money from a deceased person's bank account?

An executor/administrator of an estate can only withdraw money from a deceased person's bank account if the account does not have a designated beneficiary or joint owner and is not being disposed of by the deceased person's trust.

Can you keep the Social Security check for the month someone dies?

benefits, you must return the benefits received for the month of death and any later months. If the payment was received by direct deposit, contact the bank or other financial institution. Ask them to return any funds received for the month of death or later. If the benefit was paid by check, please do not cash.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.

Is it illegal to keep utilities in a deceased person's name?

Yes, that is fraud. Someone should file a probate case on the deceased person.

What debts are not forgiven upon death?

Medical debt and hospital bills don't simply go away after death. In most states, they take priority in the probate process, meaning they usually are paid first, by selling off assets if need be.

What is likely to happen 2 weeks prior to death?

Weeks Before Death

As the end of life nears, extreme fatigue, confusion, and social withdrawal become more pronounced. Patients may engage in life review and focus on funeral planning, revealing their emotional state.

Who is the first person to call when someone dies at home?

If your loved one passes away at home, especially if it is unexpected, the first call should be 911. The reason for this is that a medical professional or coroner will have to confirm the death and sign a death certificate. After you call 911, your loved one will be brought to the emergency room to be examined.

Does Social Security pay a funeral benefit?

Social Security doesn't pay for funeral or cremation costs in full, but the extra assistance can be a big help for direct cremation. Cremation service providers like Cremation Specialists are able to minimize their costs and the savings are passed on to families.

Does a wife get her husband's Social Security after he died?

Surviving spouse, at full retirement age or older, generally gets 100% of the worker's basic benefit amount. Surviving spouse, age 60 or older, but under full retirement age, gets between 71% and 99% of the worker's basic benefit amount.

What disqualifies you from survivor benefits?

Impact of remarrying: If you remarry before age 60 (or 50 if disabled), you typically won't be eligible to collect survivor benefits from your former spouse. However, if the subsequent marriage ends, you may become eligible again.

How long do you have to keep bank statements after someone dies?

Typically, you're advised to keep financial statements for three to seven years. This provides an appropriate amount of time necessary to settle a deceased person's estate, address possible legal or financial obligations, resolving disputes, and filing tax returns.

What is the best quote when someone dies?

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." "Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow." "If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again."

Who is the next kin?

Next of kin refers to a person's closest living relative(s). Individuals who count as next of kin include those with a blood relation, such as children, or those with legal standing, such as spouses or adopted children.

When someone dies can you use their bank account for funeral expenses?

Funeral houses will frequently work with you and your family on pre-planning a funeral price range in advance. It's so that you know what to count on when it comes time to pay for one. Yes, you can use a deceased person's bank account to pay for their funeral.

Why you shouldn't leave your money in the bank?

Your Money Isn't as Safe as You Think

For all the security surrounding banks, a checking account balance only has $250,000 of FDIC insurance if the bank fails. Any amount over that is not protected. By keeping an excessively large sum in a checking account, customers were needlessly putting their money at risk.

How do I notify Social Security of a death?

To report a death, you can do one of the following:
  1. Provide the deceased person's Social Security number to the funeral director so they can report the death to the SSA.
  2. Look up and contact your local Social Security office. Or call the SSA's main number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to make the report.