United States After-Death Checklist

A Practical, Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do and Who to Notify After a Death

Losing a loved one is overwhelming. Alongside grief, families are often faced with complex legal, financial and administrative responsibilities at a time when clarity and support are needed most.

The United States After-Death Checklist provides a clear, compassionate roadmap for what to do when someone dies in the United States. Written in plain English, this practical guide helps you understand each step, avoid costly mistakes and ensure nothing important is overlooked.

Unlike many bereavement guides, this book explains both federal requirements and highlights where state laws may differ, helping families navigate the responsibilities that follow a death with greater clarity and confidence.

This comprehensive U.S.-specific guide walks you through the entire after-death process, from the first few days following a death through to final estate administration, with clear explanations of who to notify, what forms may be required and which deadlines matter most.

Inside this guide, you will find:

• Immediate steps to take after a death, including obtaining certified death certificates and arranging a funeral

• Who to notify, including the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Veterans Affairs, the IRS, state agencies and other key organisations

• A comprehensive guide to Social Security survivor benefits and important entitlements

• Probate explained in plain English, including small estate procedures and circumstances where probate may not be required

• Federal estate tax, the Step-Up in Basis rule, portability and important tax considerations for inherited assets

• What happens when someone dies without a Will, including state intestacy rules and inheritance rights

• Guidance on inherited IRAs, 401(k)s, HSAs and retirement accounts, including the SECURE Act's 10-year rule

• Joint bank accounts, jointly owned property, community property and beneficiary designations

• Life insurance claims, employer death benefits, pensions, savings bonds and Treasury securities

• How to find unclaimed property, dormant bank accounts, lost pensions, forgotten retirement benefits and other overlooked assets

• Medicaid estate recovery, medical debt and considerations for protecting the estate from unnecessary losses

• Digital legacy planning, including Facebook, Google, Apple, LinkedIn, PayPal, Amazon and other online accounts

• Guardianship, trusts and financial considerations for protecting children

• Essential checklists, key contacts and support organisations to help you stay organised throughout the process

Updated for 2026

This updated 2026 edition includes guidance on Social Security survivor benefits, inherited retirement account rules, federal estate tax thresholds, state-specific considerations, unclaimed assets, digital legacy planning and many other topics families may otherwise discover too late.

Who Is This Guide For?

The United States After-Death Checklist is designed for:

• Anyone dealing with the death of a family member or loved one
• Executors and estate administrators
• Family members helping manage after-death responsibilities
• People planning ahead to make things easier for their loved ones
• Professionals and organisations supporting bereaved families

Whether you are dealing with a bereavement today or planning ahead to protect your loved ones, this checklist is designed to bring structure, reassurance and peace of mind during one of life's most difficult moments.

Important Information

Please note: Laws relating to probate, inheritance, estate administration, taxation and other matters vary from state to state. This guide explains federal rules and common state practices but is intended for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional legal, financial or tax advice specific to your circumstances.