What needs to be done after the funeral  

  • 1. Notify life insurance agencies and obtain claim forms. We will be happy provide this service for you.
  • 2. We will provide the Social Security office with form SSA-721 to notify them of the death. Follow up with your local office to inquire about possible $255.00 survivor benefit.
  • 3. Check with fraternal or union memberships, as well as the Veterans Administration to see if any death benefits are available. Our office staff can help you with this as well.
  • 4. Notify utility departments (electric, telephone, gas, water, etc.) to change billing information or discontinue service.
  • 5. Contact credit card companies to notify them of the death. Some companies include insurance on their accounts to pay off any outstanding balance.
  • 6. Stop coverage for the deceased on any health insurance plans. Some companies have a death benefit rider, so make sure you ask when you contact them.
  • 7. Notify banks, investment companies, and pension or retirement accounts.
  • 8. Determine outstanding debts, etc. Credit life insurance coverage may be available on some loans.
  • 9. You may need to file an income tax return for the deceased, as well as an estate income tax if the estate itself generates any income.
  • 10. Obtain the will and contact the deceased's attorney and the executor.
  • 11. Call your car insurance company. Lower rates may be available for the surviving spouse.
  • 12. Additional questions may be answered by contacting the Clerk of Court in the county where the deceased resided.

    •  This list is not intended to be complete, and the items listed above may not apply in all cases.  You should contact your attorney or financial advisor for specific advice regarding your individual situation.

     

      Important Information and Phone Numbers

     Death Certificates 

    After the physician has completed the death certificate, they will send the signed copy back to us.  We will then forward it to Frankfort, where the certified copies will be made by the State of Kentucky.  The process usually takes 4-6 weeks.  When the certified copies are ready, they will come back to our office, and we will contact you. 

     Helpful Tools

     Social Security Administration:  1.800.772.1213

    Veteran's Administration: 1.800.827.1000

    Credit Reporting Agencies:

                Experian: 1.888.397.9742

                Equifax:  1.800.525.6285

                TransUnion: 1.800.680.7289

     

    For a fee of $1.00, you can list the decedent's name on the Deceased Do Not Call List maintained by the Direct Marketing Association. (register at www.ims-dm.com/cgi/ddnc)