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Who to call first?

Whether you received a 2 a.m. phone call with news of an unexpected death or shared your loved one's final moments of a long illness, your initial reaction to the death was likely shock. It doesn't seem to matter how prepared we are - or aren't - a loved one's death often leaves us feeling numb and bewildered. If you're responsible for making the funeral arrangements or executing the will, shock and grief can be immobilizing. Even simple decisions can feel overwhelming.

 

Making the First Phone Call

What to do first depends on the circumstances of the death. When someone dies in a hospital you will need to contact the funeral home as well as family and friends. It may be easier on you to make a few phone calls to other relatives or friends and ask each of them to make a phone call or two to specific people, so the burden of spreading the news isn't all on you. If you are alone, ask someone to keep you company while you make these calls and try to cope with the first hours after the death.

 

Call a Funeral Director

Whatever the circumstances of death, one of your first calls should be to a licensed funeral director. We are here to help you:

  • Transport the body
  • Obtain a death certificate
  • Obtain a burial or cremation permit
  • Notify Social Security on your behalf
  • Select a casket and/or urn
  • Arrange the funeral or cremation, memorial and/or burial service
  • Prepare the obituary and submit to news publications
  • Offer grief support or direct you to other resources
     

Call the Employer

If your loved one was working, you'll need to call his or her employer immediately. Ask about the deceased's benefits and any pay due, including vacation or sick time, disability income, etc. Ask if you or other dependents are still eligible for benefit coverage through the company. Ask whether there is a life insurance policy through the employer, who the beneficiary is and how to file a claim.

 

Call the Life Insurance Company

Look through the deceased's paperwork for any life insurance policies. Call the agent or the company and ask how to file a claim. Usually the beneficiary (or the beneficiary's guardian, if a minor) must complete the claim forms and related paperwork. You'll need to submit the death certificate and a claimant's statement to establish proof of claim. Remember to ask about payment options. You may have a choice between receiving a lump sum or the having the insurance company place the money in an interest-bearing account from which you can write checks.  We are happy to assist you with this process, from notifying the insurance company to completing the necessary paperwork and filing the claim.

 

Other Agencies to Notify:

  • Veteran's Administration (if deceased was in the military)
  • U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (if deceased was not a U. S. Citizen)
  • Department of Motor Vehicles (if deceased had a driver's license or state I.D.)
  • Credit Card companies
  • Banks, credit unions, loan associations
  • Pension provider
  • Mortgage company or other lender
  • Health, medical, dental insurer
  • Disability insurer
  • Automotive insurer
  • Credit reporting agencies
  • Professional associations or unions
  • THIS IS A PARTIAL LIST.   PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A COMPLETE LIST.
24 Worthen St. | CHELMSFORD, MA 01824 | Phone: (978) 256-5251 | Fax: (978) 244-1460 | Email: blakefh@comcast.net