Short answer: Order several certified copies of the death certificate first. The funeral home usually reports the death to Social Security. Then notify banks, insurers, the employer, pension plans and the motor vehicle office, one at a time. An eligible spouse or child may claim a one-time $255 Social Security payment within 2 years.
General information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules vary by state; confirm details with a licensed professional.
How many certified death certificates do I need?
Many organizations ask for a certified copy, not a photocopy. These include Social Security and other agencies, banks and card issuers, life insurance and pension claims. Some tasks, such as canceling a subscription, may only need a photocopy. Ask each organization before you send an original.
There is no single right number. List the organizations you expect to contact, ask each whether a copy is enough, and order a few more than you think you need. Copies come from the vital records office of the state where the death occurred; cost and speed vary by state. The funeral home can often order the first copies for you.
Who should I notify, and when?
| Who | What to know | When |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | The funeral director usually reports the death. If not, you must. Benefits stop, and a payment for the month of death must be returned. | First week |
| Employer | Ask about final pay, benefits and any employer life insurance. | First week |
| Banks and credit cards | Ask what each needs. Do not close accounts until you know about the estate. | First month |
| Credit bureaus | Report the death to reduce the risk of identity theft. | First month |
| Insurers and pension plans | Each has its own claim form. | First month |
| State motor vehicle office | Cancel the license or ID and ask how to transfer vehicle titles. | First 3 months |
| Veterans Affairs / military pension | If the person was a veteran, ask about burial, survivor and pension benefits. | First month |
| Final income tax return | Must be filed for the year of death. | Months 3 to 12 |
What is the Social Security $255 payment?
Social Security describes a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255. A spouse might receive it. If there is no spouse, some children may be eligible. You must apply within 2 years of the death. Other survivor benefits may exist; ask when you call.
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and say you want to apply for the lump-sum death payment.
- Have the person's Social Security number and a certified death certificate ready.
- Check ssa.gov for the latest amount and rules before you apply.
What about mail, identity theft and titles?
- Mail: ask your local post office about options for forwarding or handling the person's mail, and watch for bills and benefit letters.
- Identity theft: keep a record of every call (date, name, what was said), and report the death to the credit bureaus.
- Vehicles: the state motor vehicle office can explain how to transfer a title and what documents it accepts.
- Property: the county recorder or an attorney can tell you what is needed to retitle real estate.
Debts
Do not pay debts from your own money until you understand how the estate and state law treat them. See our estate and probate page and consider talking to an attorney.
Frequently asked questions
Does the funeral home tell Social Security?
Funeral directors usually report the death to Social Security. Ask yours to confirm. If they do not, you must report it yourself.
Can I use a photocopy of the death certificate?
Sometimes. Government agencies, banks, insurers and pension plans usually want a certified copy. Ask each organization what it accepts.
How long do I have to claim the $255 payment?
Social Security says you must apply within 2 years of the death. Eligibility is limited to certain spouses and children.
Where do I order certified copies?
From the vital records office of the state where the death occurred. USAGov and the CDC list where to write for each state.
How do I notify banks and close accounts after a death?
Begin by contacting each bank with a certified death certificate and asking what they need to retitle or close the accounts. Many banks have a department for deceased accounts and will explain the paperwork. Do not close accounts until you know whether the estate needs them open for bills or deposits. Joint accounts and accounts with named beneficiaries are often handled differently. What to do: make a list of accounts, notify each institution in writing, ask for the process in writing, and consult the estate attorney before paying debts from personal funds.
How do I report a death to Social Security?
Report the death to the Social Security Administration as soon as practical, and the funeral home often does this for you if you provide the person's Social Security number. If you are not sure it was done, call to confirm. Benefits paid for the month of death generally may need to be returned, and a surviving spouse or child may be eligible for survivor benefits or a small lump-sum payment. What to do: call the agency's national number, have a death certificate ready, ask about survivor benefits, and keep a note of the date and the name of the person you spoke with.
What is a good order for handling an estate after a death?
A common order is to secure the home and property, obtain death certificates, locate the will, notify key agencies and institutions, and then work with an attorney on probate if needed. Pay urgent bills such as mortgage and insurance, keep records, and avoid distributing assets until debts and taxes are addressed. Each state has its own rules and deadlines, and the process often takes longer than families expect. What to do: make a simple checklist, keep all receipts in one folder, and consult an estate attorney early to confirm your responsibilities. This is general information, not legal advice.
Who needs a certified copy of the death certificate?
Several institutions typically ask for a certified copy of the death certificate, and keeping a list helps you order the right number. Common requests come from life insurance companies, banks, pension and retirement plan administrators, the Social Security Administration, motor vehicle offices, property and title transfers, and brokerage firms. Some will accept a copy for notification only. What to do: make a list of the institutions you must contact, ask each whether they need an original or accept a copy, and keep the certified copies in a labeled folder so you can send them out in order.
What happens to social media and digital accounts after someone passes away?
Many online platforms offer ways to memorialize or close an account when the person has passed away, and policies differ from one service to the next. Some require a death certificate and proof of relationship, and some allow a designated legacy contact if the person set one up. Email, cloud storage, and photos may hold important records and memories. What to do: make a list of accounts you know about, check each platform's help page for deceased user requests, download photos and files before closing anything, and avoid accessing accounts in ways that violate the terms of service or state law.
What is probate and do I always need it?
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will, paying debts, and distributing a person's assets, and not every estate must go through it. Small estates, accounts with named beneficiaries, and jointly held property often pass outside probate, though the thresholds and rules vary by state. Probate can take months or longer depending on the court and the estate. What to do: gather the will and a list of assets, ask the county probate court clerk about local procedures, and consider speaking with an estate attorney. This is general information, not legal advice.