What to Do When Someone Dies: A Complete Step-by-Step Checklist

Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and the hours and days that follow can feel like a blur. Knowing what to do when someone dies can provide much-needed clarity during an incredibly difficult time. This step-by-step checklist is designed to guide you through the practical tasks, so you can focus on what matters most — being there for your family.

Immediate Steps: The First Few Hours

The first actions you take depend on where the death occurred. Try to stay as calm as possible and work through these steps one at a time.

• If they passed in a hospital or care facility: The medical staff will handle the official declaration of death and guide you through next steps. Ask for copies of the death certificate — you will typically need 10 to 15 certified copies for banks, insurance companies, and government agencies.
• If they passed at home with hospice care: Call the hospice nurse, who will come to the home to officially pronounce the death. Hospice will also help coordinate transport to the funeral home.
• If the death was unexpected at home: Call 911 immediately. Paramedics will respond and, if necessary, the coroner or medical examiner will be notified. Do not move or disturb anything until authorities arrive.

Within the First 24 Hours

Once the immediate shock begins to settle, there are several important tasks to address:

• Check for organ donation wishes: Review the deceased's driver's license and advance directive. Organ donation is time-sensitive, so notify the hospital as soon as possible if they were a registered donor.
• Contact a funeral home: If one hasn't been pre-selected, now is the time to choose. Our AI Planning Assistant can list funeral homes near you with their Google ratings and tell you what to ask each one. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, they must give you prices by phone and an itemized General Price List in person, so you can compare before you commit — see how to choose a funeral home.
• Notify immediate family and close friends: Start with the closest family members. Consider asking a trusted friend or relative to help spread the word to extended family, neighbors, and community members.
• Arrange care for dependents: If the deceased was a caregiver for children, elderly parents, or pets, arrange temporary care immediately.
• Secure the home: If the deceased lived alone, ensure their home is locked and secure. Collect valuables, mail, and important documents.

Within the First Week

As you begin planning the funeral or memorial service, you will also need to handle administrative matters:

• Obtain certified death certificates: Your funeral home will typically help you order these. Request at least 10 to 15 copies, as banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and other institutions each require an original.
• Locate the will and important documents: Search for the will, trust documents, life insurance policies, bank account information, and any pre-planned funeral arrangements.
• Contact the employer: Notify the deceased's employer to inquire about final paychecks, life insurance benefits, pension plans, and any outstanding benefits.
• Notify Social Security: In most cases the funeral home reports the death to Social Security for you — ask them to confirm. Otherwise, call 1-800-772-1213. Surviving spouses and children may be eligible for survivor benefits, and an eligible spouse or child can receive a one-time $255 lump-sum death payment.
• Contact life insurance companies: File claims as soon as possible. You will need the death certificate and policy numbers.
• If they served in the military: Find their discharge papers (DD-214) and tell the funeral director, who can often coordinate military honors and burial in a national cemetery. Eligible veterans may also qualify for a burial allowance and a government headstone — see our guide to VA burial benefits.
• Write and publish the obituary: Gather the details of their life, decide where to publish and agree the wording with close family. Our obituary guide covers what to include and what to leave out to protect against identity theft, and our free Obituary Writer can help you write the obituary in minutes.

Within the First Month

• Cancel or transfer accounts: Contact utility companies, subscription services, credit card companies, and other recurring billing services.
• Notify the DMV: Cancel the deceased's driver's license to prevent identity theft.
• Forward mail: Set up mail forwarding through the post office to catch any correspondence that may require action.
• Consult a financial advisor or attorney: If the estate is complex, professional guidance can help navigate probate, taxes, and asset distribution.

Taking Care of Yourself

While working through this checklist, remember that your own well-being matters too. Grief takes a physical and emotional toll. Accept help when it's offered, eat regular meals, rest when you can, and don't hesitate to reach out to a grief counselor or support group. You don't have to do everything alone.

At thefuneral.ai, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. Our AI Planning Assistant guides you through every step — from choosing a funeral home to handling paperwork — and our Obituary Writer helps you create a meaningful tribute when you're ready. Available 24/7 so you can focus on healing.

Sources

• Social Security Administration: Survivors Benefits
• Congressional Research Service: Social Security: The Lump-Sum Death Benefit (R43637)
• FTC: The FTC Funeral Rule