The Notifying Government Agencies After A Death Information Hub

Key Things To Know

Before you start making calls or mailing forms, take a moment to get organized. Here's what you should keep in mind.

• You do not need to notify every agency yourself. Some notifications are automatically triggered by filing the death certificate, especially with Social Security.
• Timing matters. Certain benefits and account closures are time-sensitive, and delays can lead to complications or missed payments.
• You may need multiple copies of the death certificate. Some agencies require an original copy, not a photocopy.
• Fraud prevention is part of the process. Notifying agencies helps close the door to identity theft and fraudulent benefits claims.

Who You May Need to Notify

Depending on the person’s life and status, you may need to reach out to:

• Social Security Administration (SSA): Required for ending benefits or applying for survivor benefits.
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): If the person was a veteran, the VA can assist with burial benefits and flag services.
• Medicare and/or Medicaid Offices: To close accounts and stop payments.
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): For final tax returns and to prevent fraudulent use of the deceased’s Social Security number.
• State Department of Health or Vital Records: For official recordkeeping and verification of death.
• State or Local Election Office: To remove the name from voter rolls.
• State Tax Department: Especially important if the person filed state returns separately.
• State Motor Vehicle Administration: To cancel licenses, IDs, and vehicle registrations.
• Passport Agency (U.S. Department of State): For cancellation of passports and travel documents.
• Public Benefit Agencies: Including unemployment, SNAP, disability, or housing assistance offices.

If you (or your spouse) is a federal employee, our Estate Planning and Post-Death Guide for Federal Employees will come in especially helpful.

Questions to Ask When Contacting an Agency

• What documentation is required to close the account or stop benefits?
• Do I need to appear in person or can I submit this online or by mail?
• How many copies of the death certificate are needed?
• Will you notify any other agencies on my behalf?
• Are there any survivor benefits I should ask about?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some quick answers to the questions we hear most often.