Need help/guidance reporting a death....

As most of you know, my grandfather passed away last week. I'm trying to help my grandmother get things in order, I know we need to notify social security (been on hold for over 5 minutes now by the way) but does anyone know who else I have to notify? Do I have to call DMV? Have the bills taken out of his name??

Thanks, this is very overwhelming!

Re: Need help/guidance reporting a death....

I've never dealt with the process so I'm unsure of who you would need to contact - just wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss.

Re: Need help/guidance reporting a death....

I would assume SS takes care of all the governmental stuff. You will have to call his credit card companies and things like that. FYI my Mother in laws father passed a few weeks ago and when she called the CC co they told her they would write off his $9,000 debt as he did not really have any assets.

I'm sorry for your loss and hope your Grandmother is OK-it can be hard on the women left behind after many yrs of marriage. My Grandmother is going through this now as my Grandpa passed Oct. 2004-she is much better now than at the beginning.

Re: Need help/guidance reporting a death....

I'm sorry for your loss. My condolences to you & your family.

I would contact DMV, in order for you to re-register the car(s) in your garndmother's name. Also contact her inusrance co. so they can make name corrections on the policies. Credit Card co's also.

Re: Need help/guidance reporting a death....

I'm sorry for you loss.


I found this link: Social Security Website

Checklist of Other Things to Complete Following the Funeral
Notify lawyer and personal representative.
Notify insurance companies - including automobile insurance for immediate cancellation and refund of premium.
Check carefully all life and casualty insurance policies and death benefits (check also on income for survivors of these benefits) including:
Social Security
Trade Union
Credit Union
Veteran’s Administration
Fraternal Organizations
Social Security
Trade Union
Credit Union
Veteran’s Administration
Fraternal Organizations
If deceased was living alone, notify utilities and landlord, and notify post office where to send mail. Take precautions against theft.
Check promptly on all debts, mortgages, and installment payments. If there is a delay in meeting payments, consult with creditors and ask for more time before the payments are due.
Prepare list of persons to receive acknowledgments of flowers, cards, etc. (May be written notes or printed acknowledgments.)


NYS DMV - What to do when an owner dies

Message edited 2/8/2006 4:48:16 PM.

Re: Need help/guidance reporting a death....

I am so sorry

Re: Need help/guidance reporting a death....

I am so sorry for your loss
I think Barbara posted a good list which should be very helpful to you. We also donated my father's clothes after he died and going through them was very hard

Re: Need help/guidance reporting a death....

I am so sorry for your loss. I don't know what your religion is, but if you have a wake, the funeral home will take care of everything. My grandmother passed away on 1/3 and we didn't have to do any of that.

Re: Need help/guidance reporting a death....

Thanks for all of your support and advice. This is very overwhelming.