First, have the death pronounced: hospital or nursing home staff do this, or the hospice team if your parent died at home under hospice (National Institute on Aging). Then choose a funeral home, order certified death certificates, and make sure Social Security is told. The funeral director usually reports the death to Social Security (USA.gov).
Benefits, accounts, insurance and taxes can wait a few days or weeks. Use the checklist below; it remembers what you tick on this device.
In the first hours
In the first week
In the first months
Who to notify, and what they need
| Who | Why | Usually needed |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | Stops benefits, notifies Medicare, and starts any survivor benefits (USA.gov) | Social Security number; the death certificate later |
| VA | Burial allowance, headstone, survivor benefits; stop VA payments (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) | Discharge papers (DD214), death certificate |
| Banks and credit card companies | Freeze or close accounts, stop automatic payments | Certified death certificate, proof you are the executor |
| Life insurance and pensions | File claims | Certified death certificate, policy number |
| State motor vehicles office | Cancel the license or ID, transfer the car title (USA.gov) | Death certificate, title |
| IRS | Final income tax return | Income records up to the date of death |
Death certificates
You order certified copies from the vital records office of the state where the death happened. Ask how to order online, by mail or in person, how to get a copy fast, and the cost of each copy. Only certain family members, such as a spouse, siblings and children, may be able to order one at first (USA.gov). The funeral home often orders the first copies for you as part of its basic services.
Money: what to do and what not to do
- Return any Social Security payment for the month of death or later. If it came by direct deposit, ask the bank to send it back (USA.gov).
- Debts are generally paid from the estate, not by the family (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau). If a collector calls, ask for details in writing, and do not agree to pay from your own money before you understand whether you owe anything (Federal Trade Commission).
- When you talk to funeral homes, you have the right to itemized prices and to buy only what you want (Federal Trade Commission). See How much does a funeral cost?
For the estate itself, such as probate, the will and taxes, talk to the executor, an estate attorney or the probate court in the county where your parent lived. Rules differ by state.
Common questions
Am I responsible for my parent's debts?
Generally, no. When someone dies, their debts are generally paid from the money or property left in the estate. You may be responsible if you co-signed, shared an account, or in some cases as a spouse in a community property state. Debt collectors may contact the executor, but under FTC rules they cannot tell you that you must pay a debt you do not owe.
How many death certificates should I order?
There is no fixed number. Count the banks, insurers, pension plans and agencies that will ask for a certified copy. Some only need a photocopy, so ask each one. You can order more later from the state vital records office.
Who reports the death to Social Security?
Usually the funeral director, if you give them the Social Security number. If not, you report it by phone or in person. Social Security does not accept death reports by email or online.
Related guides
How much does a funeral cost?
National median funeral costs, what a funeral home must show you under the FTC Funeral Rule, and a worksheet to total the price list you were given.
VA burial benefits
The VA burial allowance amounts for deaths on or after October 1, 2026, who can claim, the 2-year time limit and the free burial and headstone benefits.
Sources
- What To Do After Someone Dies, National Institute on Aging (NIH). Checked November 7, 2026.
- Agencies to notify when someone dies, USA.gov. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Report the death of a Social Security or Medicare beneficiary, USA.gov. Checked November 7, 2026.
- How to get a certified copy of a death certificate, USA.gov. Checked November 7, 2026.
- What you could get from Survivor benefits, Social Security Administration. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Veterans burial allowance and transportation benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Does a person's debt go away when they die?, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Debts and Deceased Relatives, Federal Trade Commission. Checked November 7, 2026.
- The FTC Funeral Rule, Federal Trade Commission. Checked November 7, 2026.
This guide explains general rules. It is not medical, legal or financial advice for your situation. Program rules and amounts change, usually each January (Medicare and Medicaid) and each October (VA). Confirm details with the agency or a qualified professional before you decide. See our editorial policy.