Final Steps Help

The after-death checklist

The first 48 hours are below. The full two-week version, covering Social Security, banks, insurance, bills, and benefits in the right order, arrives by email.

Get the free after-death checklist

Every step for the first two weeks, personalized to where you are, with the exact numbers to call. Three short emails, then nothing else, ever. No signup, no card, and we will never call you.

Right now

The first 48 hours

Nothing else on this page matters until these are done. Everything not on this list can wait, and most of it should.

  1. 1Get the pronouncement. Hospital or hospice handles it; at home, call 911.
  2. 2Ask one person to help. Making calls should not all be on you.
  3. 3Look for written wishes or prepaid arrangements before agreeing to anything.
  4. 4Money tight? Call the county FIRST. Signing with a funeral home first can disqualify you.
  5. 5Secure the home, pets, vehicles, and any dependents.
  6. 6Start one folder for every paper you receive. You will need it constantly.
  7. 7Banks and insurance can wait. That is week one, not today.