What to Do When Someone Passes Away: Caring Steps After a Loss
A funeral home advisor supports a couple as they review paperwork and next steps after a loved one’s passing
The days following a loss are often a blur. Grief can make it difficult to know what needs to be done and when. Having a list of immediate tasks alongside those that can be taken care of later can ease some of the weight of uncertainty. In those first moments, this checklist will provide some guidance while also reminding you that not everything should be dealt with at once.
The First Calls You Need To Make
The first hours after a loss are often the hardest. These are the calls you will want to make right away:
- 911 if the death was unexpected
- A doctor or hospice nurse if the death took place at home
- Your chosen funeral home, so the process of caring for your loved one can start taking place
- Immediate family members and closest friends who should be notified directly
Taking care of these first contacts makes sure that your loved one is taken care of promptly and that those closest to you are well-informed
Gathering Important Documents
Within the first few days, you will need to have several key documents. Having them in one place can help make everything easier.
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate, if applicable
- Social Security Card
- Military discharge papers, if your loved one served
- Life insurance policies
- Will or estate planning documents
Keeping copies of these items together in a folder or binder can save time and help prevent delays when working with banks, government offices, and attorneys.
Notifications to Agencies and Institutions
Once funeral arrangements are finalized, the next step is to notify relevant agencies and organizations that require official notice. Check with your funeral home to confirm which notifications they will handle on your behalf and which you should contact directly.
- Social Security Administration
- Employer or pension provider
- Life insurance companies
- Banks and financial institutions
- Utility companies and landlords, if applicable
- Veterans Affairs, if your loved one was a veteran
If you’d like more information or contact details for local offices, the following resources for Passaic, NJ, may be helpful:
- Social Security Administration – Passaic office:(search “Passaic, NJ 07055” or call 1-866-931-0069)
- Passaic County Clerk – Vital Records (Registry Division)
- New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs – Estate planning & consumer resources
Some of these calls tend to be emotional, but they are an important step for closing accounts, stopping unwanted mail, and protecting your loved one’s identity.
Task That Can Wait a Little Longer
Not everything has to be handled all at one time. In the weeks that follow, you can turn your attention to:
- Handling probate and estate matters with the help of an attorney
- Contacting financial advisors or tax professionals
- Closing or updating digital accounts, such as email and social media accounts
- Reviewing beneficiary options
- Updating your own insurance and healthcare information.
- Arranging a final headstone inscription or permanent memorial marker, if one has not already been completed
- Thanking friends and family members who offered support during and after the service
Why Pre-Planning Can Help Ease the Burden
While this checklist is designed to help after a loss, it is just as useful when thought about ahead of time. Pre-planning funeral wishes is one of the greatest gifts someone can leave their family. Many people say they feel better knowing they are honoring someone’s wishes rather than guessing what they would want. Taking the time now to plan can give you clarity and comfort later on. When details such as burial or cremation preferences, clothing, personal items, or music are picked out ahead of time, families avoid having to make difficult decisions in the middle of grief. A checklist like this can also prevent delays and confusion by keeping your documents organized and all in one place.
For a deeper look at the importance of planning, you may find our blog, Pre-Plan Your Funeral – Honor Your Legacy and Ease Their Burden helpful.
The Caring Steps After Losing a Loved One Printable Checklist
To make things as simple as possible, we created a free one-page checklist that you can print or save to your phone or computer. This resource lists urgent tasks first, followed by a suggested timeline for the weeks ahead.
You Are Not Alone in This
When someone close to us passes away, even getting out of bed can feel like too much, and no one should have to carry all the weight on their own shoulders. At Madonna Multinational Funeral Home, our role goes far beyond arranging services. We are here to answer your questions, help you find the resources you need, and walk with you through the difficult times.
If you would like personal guidance or need immediate support, please reach out to us at any time.
