3 minute read
Survivor's Checklist: Steps to Take after a Spouse's Death
Posted on April 16, 2025
Trying to navigate the legal documentation that’s required after a spouse’s death can be overwhelming. For many, it requires responsibilities and decisions that you’ve never had to face. Following this survivor’s checklist can help while taking the necessary steps.
First Steps
The immediate steps to take after the loss of a loved include obtaining several certified copies of the death certificate as any account or institution with assets that they owned, either individually or jointly, will need this proof to settle their accounts.
- Make arrangements with a reputable funeral home.
- Obtain 10-15 certified death certificates.
- For Veterans, contact the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) at 1.800.827.1000 or www.va.gov/burials-memorials to apply for burial allowance, flag and headstone. TTY: 711
Documents to Locate
Any legal documentation of property owned by the deceased needs to be gathered. It’s a good idea to have copies of the will made for any family members to help avoid misunderstandings and prepare clear instructions on where these documents can be found for the executor of the will. Be prepared to file a final income tax return for the year that they died.
- Original will, trust, and estate plan
- Death Certificate
- Social Security card, Driver’s License, and Passport, if applicable
- Birth and marriage certificate, also divorce documentation, if applicable
- Texell Member Number and member numbers of other organizations
- For Veterans, Discharge Form or DD Form 214, available from The National Archives at 314.801.0800, and VA Claim Number, available from the VA
- All automobile titles and property deeds
- Life, health, and property insurance policies
- Bank, credit card, and investment statements
- Unpaid bills
- Income tax returns
Contact your Financial Institution and Credit Reporting Agencies
Your financial institution can help you review any savings and checking accounts, stop any automatic withdrawals or deposits, and check for insurance coverage on loans. They can also assist with opening account(s) in your own name if you don’t already have one.
- A certified death certificate is required to make changes to a financial account.
- Credit reporting agencies to add a deceased indicator to act as a credit freeze:
- Equifax, 800.685.1111 or www.equifax.com
- Experian at 888.397.3742 or www.experian.com
- Transunion at 800.888.4213 or www.transunion.com
Other Organizations to Contact
Check other accounts that may contain benefits, including government, employment, retirement, and insurance accounts.
- Social Security Administration at 1.800.772.1213 or www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/. TTY: 1.800.325.0778 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., M-F
- Life, auto, home, and/or health insurance companies
- Current and past employers for group life insurance benefits or pension plans
- Banks and other credit unions to transfer ownership, close accounts, or redeem points
- Creditors to check for credit life or accidental death insurance
- Fraternal organizations and other member groups
- Stop mail using the Deceased Do Not Contact List (DDNC) at DMAchoice.org
Additional Financial Matters
- Complete a budget and continue to pay bills, such as mortgage and vehicle payments, if applicable.
- Meet with a financial planner if you received an inheritance.
- Seek the advice of an accountant or tax advisor to file the deceased’s tax return for the year of the death.
- Consult an attorney for advice in settling an estate - https://texaslawhelp.org.
If you need further assistance with a Texell account during this process, please contact Member Services at 254.773.1604. Our staff is ready to help in any way during this difficult time.
If you wish to comment on this article or have an idea for a topic we should cover, we want to hear from you! Email us at editor@texell.org.
