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Final Business Following the Death of a Loved One
The time following the death of a loved-one can be very emotional, and very busy. The following are some important details that sometimes fall through the cracks during this difficult time:
Social Security
If the deceased had paid into Social Security for at least 40 quarters, two types of benefits are possible:
- Death benefit: $255 for burial expenses is available to eligible spouses or dependent children. The survivor can complete the necessary form at the local Social Security office, or the funeral director may complete the application and apply the payment directly to the funeral bill.
- Survivor's benefits: A variety of benefits are available depending on the age and relationship of any survivors. You may be eligible for benefits if you match any of these circumstances:
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- surviving spouse age 60 or older
- Disabled surviving spouse age 50 or older
- Spouse under 60 who cares for dependent children under age 16 or disabled children
- Children of the deceased under age 18 or who are disabled
Call 800-772-1213 for an appointment with the nearest Social Security office to inquire about benefits and eligibility. When applying for survivor's benefits, you will need to have birth, death, and marriage certificates, Social Security numbers, and a copy of the deceased's most recent federal income tax return.
Veteran's Administration
If the deceased was receiving monthly payments you will need to notify the VA of the death.
If the deceased was a veteran who received a discharge other than dishonorable, survivors may receive $300 toward funeral expenses and $150 for burial costs. Burial in a national cemetery is free to a veteran, spouse, and dependent children. Veterans are also eligible for a headstone or grave marker.
The surviving spouse and dependent children of disabled veterans may also be entitled to a lump sum death benefit; monthly payments, such as educational assistance and medical care.
Check with the regional VA office about your eligibility for the different types of veteran's benefits and the documents you will need to apply for benefits.
Employee Benefits
Many employers provide life, health, or accident insurance.
The deceased may be due a final paycheck for vacation or sick leave.
Be sure to contact all past employers, including federal, state or local governments, to see if you are entitled to death benefits, continued health insurance coverage for the family, or payments from an annuity or pension plan.
If the deceased belonged to a union or professional organization, check to see if they offer death benefits for their members. Also find out about any credit union balances.
Check List for Final Details Following the Death of a Loved One
Description:
Check List for Final Details
- Death Notices and Obituaries (call your local newspaper, or the funeral home may make the arrangements);
- Check safety deposit box;
- Locate all important papers: Bank records, bills, birth certificate, credit cards, insurance records, mortgage and loan papers, marriage certificate, military papers, pension papers, savings bonds, Social Security and tax records, stocks, mutual funds, vehicle titles and registrations;
- Order a dozen copies of the death certificate. You will need a number of copies for various reasons, including working with your spouse`s creditors.
- Order a copy of the deceased`s credit report as well as your own. In many cases, the information will be the same, but there may be accounts on the deceased`s report of which you weren`t aware. Click here for information on ordering credit reports.
- Notify the three major credit reporting agencies of your spouse`s death.
- Notify creditors of the death.
- Notify employer of the death (may have wages, vacation, or 401k due to the deceased).
- Cancel medical insurance.
- Cancel or modify status of all credit cards.
- Cancel subscriptions and memberships.
- Remove the deceased`s name from mailing lists. Call 888-567-8688 to have the deceased`s credit file blocked from screening for pre-approved mailing lists.
- To have names removed from existing mailing lists write to:
Mail Preference Service Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008
- To have names removed from existing telemarketing lists write to:
Telephone Preference Service Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 9014
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014
You should be aware that:
- If there will be a probate proceeding (which may or may not be required, depending on state law and the amount of assets), then the executor of the estate should get in touch with creditors.
- If there will not be a probate proceeding, then survivors should be in touch with creditors to notify them of the death. Most will request a copy of the death certificate, which you should already have on hand.
Social Security Administration
Baltimore MD 21235
Description:
The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. In addition to several provisions for general welfare, the new Act created a social insurance program designed to pay retired workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement.
The tops services offered by the Social Security Administration:
- Get or replace a Social Security card
- Apply online for retirement benefits
- Apply online for disability benefits
- Apply online for Medicare
- Apply for SSI, survivors or family benefits
- Estimate your retirement benefits
- Get Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs
- Locate a Social Security office
- Glossary of Social Security Terms
How to contact Social Security.
For Medicare recipients, Social Security can help with:
- Medicare eligibility and enrollment
- Replacing a Medicare card
- Changing your address for Medicare
- Questions on Medicare premiums
Reporting Social Security Fraud
If you suspect Social Security fraud, contact the Office of Inspector General (OIG) using one of the following methods:
- Use the online Fraud Reporting form;
- Call the Fraud Hotline number at 1-800-269-0271 (TTY 1-866-501-2101) between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday;
- Send a fax: 410-597-0118 (standard long distance rates may apply); or
- Write to: Social Security OIG Hotline
P.O. Box 17785
Baltimore, Maryland 21235-7785.
Social Security's Office of Inspector General takes reports of fraud very seriously. Without sufficient identifying information, OIG will be unable to act on your allegation. Therefore, be sure to include as much of the following information as you can when you call:
- Name, address, telephone number, and Social Security number of the person suspected of fraud. Also include the individual's date and place of birth, father's name, and mother's birth name, if known;
- A complete description of the potential fraud incident; and
- Your name, address, and telephone number.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington 20420
Description:
Survivor Benefits
If the deceased was receiving monthly payments you will need to notify the VA of the death.
If the deceased was a veteran who received a discharge other than dishonorable, survivors may receive $300 toward funeral expenses and $150 for burial costs. Burial in a national cemetery is free to a veteran, spouse, and dependent children. Veterans are also eligible for a headstone or grave marker.
The surviving spouse and dependent children of disabled veterans may also be entitled to a lump sum death benefit; monthly payments, such as educational assistance; and medical care.
Check with the regional VA office about your eligibility for the different types of veteran`s benefits and the documents you will need to apply for benefits.
Health Care Facilities, Benefits and Prescription coverage
To receive health care benefits, enroll with the VA. You can enroll for benefits at any time.
Ohio veterans of all eras have earned a number of federal and state benefits. Veterans may qualify for a number of other benefits ranging from health care, compensation for injuries and illness, home loans and education to direct financial assistance, special license plates and the Ohio Veterans Homes. Please visit your county veteran`s service office and find out what you`re eligible for. For more information, call 1-877-OHIO VET (1-877-644-6838), or visit www.dvs.ohio.gov.
CHAMPVA: The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a comprehensive health care program in which the VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. The program is administered by Health Administration Center, located in Denver, Colorado.
Prescription coverage is available for veterans with an honorable discharge. Must enroll with VA and be seen by VA doctor. Free prescriptions for low-income veterans.
VA Hospitals and Clinics: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates a network of health care facilities across the country. Click here to search for a facility by state.
Click here to find your regional VA Benefits Administration office.
Veterans Funerals
If the deceased was a veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides small burial allowances. All veterans can receive a burial flag and burial in national cemeteries. Burial at no charge may be possible in an area where a national Veterans Cemetery is located. Call 800-555-1212 for the toll-free number of your Regional Veterans Affairs office or visit the web site.