What to do when someone dies

A complete, plain-language guide covering the first phone calls through the end of the first year. Written for families in the middle of loss and for those planning ahead.

In this guide

What to do in the first 24–72 hours
Notifying government agencies and financial institutions
Understanding probate and the estate
Handling taxes, benefits, and final accounts
Closing out the final year

Military family guides

Military survivor programs are handled by different agencies and often require the same records. Use these guides to find the right benefit, gather documents once, and keep track of separate filing steps.

The DD-214 — Find the service record needed for most VA survivor claims.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation — Understand who may qualify for monthly tax-free DIC benefits and how to apply.
Survivor Benefit Plan annuity — Work through the DFAS survivor annuity process for eligible military families.
VA burial benefits — Review burial allowances, national cemetery eligibility, flags, and memorial benefits.
CHAMPVA health coverage — Check whether a surviving spouse or child qualifies for VA health coverage.
Chapter 35 education benefits — Learn about education assistance for eligible surviving spouses and children.
Military Death Gratuity — Understand the one-time payment made after an active-duty death.
Military survivor documents checklist — Gather the records and forms used across multiple claims before filing.
Notifying DFAS and the VA — Stop retired pay or pension payments and avoid preventable overpayments.
TRICARE for survivors — Review continued coverage, enrollment windows, and transition options.
VA headstones and grave markers — Choose and request a government-furnished marker or medallion.

For the broader sequence after a death, read what to do when someone dies. You can also browse all family guides.