What to do when someone dies in the United States
The practical steps after a death feel overwhelming when grief makes every decision hard. This guide covers what needs to happen — and when — so you can focus on what matters most.
In the first hours
If the death was expected — at home under hospice care, for example — call the hospice nurse or attending physician. They will come to pronounce the death and complete the required paperwork.
If the death was unexpected, call 911. Emergency services will respond, and if the cause of death is unclear, the medical examiner or coroner may be notified automatically. In that case, the body may not be released to a funeral home until an investigation is complete.
Once death is pronounced, contact a funeral home or cremation provider. They will arrange transportation of the body. You do not need to make all final arrangements immediately — most funeral homes will give you space before pressing for decisions about burial or cremation.
In the first days
The funeral director handles the death certificate filing with the state vital records office. Order at least 10 to 12 certified copies — you will need one for nearly every agency and institution you contact. Running out and re-ordering later adds time and cost.
Notify close family and friends. If the deceased had an employer, contact HR to ask about survivor benefits, any pension, or workplace life insurance — these claims often have time limits.
Locate the will, if one exists. Check filing cabinets, home safes, or with the deceased's attorney. The will names an executor and determines how the estate is distributed.
In the first week
Social Security Administration
Call 1-800-772-1213 as soon as possible. SSA must stop any recurring benefit payments. Any payment deposited for the month of death must be returned — notify the bank if the deceased received direct deposit. SSA will automatically notify Medicare on your behalf.
Veterans' Affairs
If the deceased was a veteran, call the VA at 1-800-827-1000. Stop VA benefit payments and begin the process for burial benefits, which may include a burial allowance, a headstone or marker, and burial in a national cemetery.
Secure property and accounts
If the deceased lived alone, secure the home. Contact the landlord if renting. Notify banks and financial institutions — they will typically freeze accounts pending estate proceedings. This is normal and expected.
Documents you will need
- Certified copies of the death certificate (at least 10)
- Social Security number of the deceased
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Military discharge papers — DD-214 (if veteran)
- Most recent federal tax return or W-2
- Life insurance policy documents
- Will and any trust documents
Order more certified death certificates than you think you'll need. Ten to twelve is a good starting point — each bank, insurer, and government agency will require its own copy.
In the weeks ahead
Probate — the legal process of validating the will and distributing the estate — varies by state. Some states have simplified procedures for smaller estates. If the estate is complex or there are disputes, a probate attorney can help. Many offer a free initial consultation.
File a final federal tax return (Form 1040) for the year of death, marked "Deceased" with the date of death at the top. If the estate earns income after death, a separate estate income tax return (Form 1041) may also be required. A tax professional can navigate this with you.