After someone passes away, it is important to notify various government agencies and programs as well as businesses they were associated with. Here is a list of some agencies and programs that should be notified:
Social Security Administration (SSA): Contact the SSA to report the death of the individual and stop any Social Security benefits or payments. You can reach the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Inform the IRS about the person's death for tax-related matters. You may need to file a final tax return on their behalf. Visit the IRS website or consult with a tax professional for guidance.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): If the deceased had a driver's license or state ID, notify the DMV to cancel their identification and prevent potential identity theft.
U.S. Postal Service (USPS): Contact the local post office and request to stop mail delivery to the deceased person. You may also need to fill out a Change of Address form to forward mail to the appropriate individual or address.
Veterans Affairs (VA): If the deceased was a veteran, notify the VA to update their records and stop any benefits or services they were receiving.
Medicare and Health Insurance Providers: Inform the deceased person's health insurance provider, including Medicare if applicable, to cancel coverage and prevent any fraudulent use of their insurance.
State and Local Tax Agencies: Notify the appropriate state and local tax agencies about the person's death to update their records and stop any tax obligations.
Banks and Financial Institutions: Contact the banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions where the deceased had accounts to close or transfer the accounts. Provide them with a certified copy of the death certificate.
Insurance Companies: Notify any life insurance, health insurance, or other insurance companies the person had policies with to initiate the claims process.
Utility Companies: Contact the utility companies, such as gas, electricity, water, and telephone providers, to close or transfer the accounts and prevent any further charges.
Employer or Retirement Plans: Inform the deceased person's employer or retirement plan administrator to stop any further payments or contributions.
Credit Reporting Agencies: Notify the major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) of the person's passing to prevent identity theft and potential fraudulent activity.
Remember, you will generally need the person's Social Security number and certified copies of their death certificate when notifying these agencies and programs. Additionally, consult with an attorney or estate executor for guidance on handling other aspects of the person's estate and notifying additional entities that may be relevant in their specific situation.
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