What to Do When Someone Dies

What to do when someone dies

As a funeral director, I’ve walked alongside countless families through the heartbreak of losing a loved one. My name is Caroline Schrank, and I founded Ripple, to provide compassionate, transparent, and affordable guidance during one of life’s most challenging moments. The funeral industry can be overwhelming, even predatory at times, but my goal is to empower you with clear, practical advice so you can make informed decisions with dignity and peace of mind. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate what comes next when someone passes away.

Where Do I Start?

The moment a loved one dies, the world feels like it stops—but there are immediate steps to take. First, you’ll need a legal pronouncement of death. If they passed in a hospital or under hospice care, the staff or nurse will handle this. For an unexpected death at home, call 911, and paramedics will assist. If there’s a “do not resuscitate” order, have it ready to show them. This pronouncement is the key to obtaining a death certificate, which you’ll need for nearly everything that follows.

Next, contact a funeral home—like Ripple, if you’re in New York State—to arrange for the body’s transfer. You have up to 72 hours in New York to do this, so there’s no need to rush, but don’t delay too long. If your loved one had wishes for their remains—like cremation or burial—try to honor them. At Ripple, we offer direct cremation starting at $995, a dignified and affordable option with no hidden fees.

Don’t forget about dependents. Arrange care for children with a trusted guardian and find someone to look after pets—family, friends, or even a local shelter if needed. These small acts can ease your burden in those raw, early hours.

Practical Steps You Need to Take in the Early Days

Within a Few Days of Death

In the first few days, secure multiple copies of the death certificate—10 or more if possible. You’ll need them for banks, insurance, and government agencies. The funeral home can often handle this, or you can go directly to your state’s vital records office. At Ripple, we guide families through this process seamlessly.

Notify key institutions: call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 to stop benefits and check eligibility for survivor payments, and inform the IRS about final tax filings, you can also call 1-800-829-1040. Cancel the driver’s license with the DMV to prevent identity theft. Secure their home if they lived alone—lock doors, collect mail, and ask a neighbor to keep watch.

Two Weeks After Death

By the two-week mark, start probate if needed (more on that later), and notify banks, insurers, and employers. Pay urgent bills from estate funds, like utilities or the mortgage, and begin sorting personal belongings. Don’t rush this—it’s okay to take your time with sentimental items. Lean on friends or family to help; you don’t have to do it alone.

How to Report a Death

Reporting a death is straightforward but essential. Funeral homes, including Ripple, typically notify the SSA for you, but if that doesn’t happen, call them yourself with the deceased’s name, Social Security number, and dates of birth and death. For other agencies—like the IRS or DMV—use the death certificate as proof. If your loved one was a veteran, contact the Veterans Administration for potential burial benefits. Every call matters to tie up loose ends and protect their identity.

Registering the Death

In the U.S., “registering” a death means obtaining the death certificate, which the funeral director usually submits to the state’s vital records office. You’ll provide details like their full name, birth date, and Social Security number. In New York, Ripple ensures this is handled efficiently, delivering certified copies for your needs—think banks, insurance claims, or probate. Order extras upfront; they’re cheaper now than later.

Letting Everyone Know

Telling people is hard but necessary. Start with close family and friends—call or visit them personally. For wider circles, an obituary in the newspaper or a social media post works well. Notify their employer for any unpaid wages or benefits, and contact community groups they were part of. At Ripple, we’ve seen how a simple announcement can rally support. For social media accounts, consider memorializing them (e.g., on Facebook) or closing them with a death certificate.

Making the Funeral Arrangements

The Funeral

Planning a funeral is deeply personal. Decide on burial or cremation—our direct cremation at Ripple offers flexibility, letting you hold a memorial when you’re ready. Choose a location (church, funeral home, or even a park) and an officiant—clergy or a family friend. Add touches like music or flowers that reflect their life.

Carry Out Decedent’s Wishes

If they left instructions, follow them as best you can. A will might mention preferences, though they’re not legally binding. If funds are tight, it’s okay to adapt—dignity doesn’t require extravagance.

Make Funeral Plans

Coordinate logistics: transportation, guest lists, and the order of service. Ripple’s team can manage these details, ensuring everything aligns with your vision. Cremation, for instance, gives you time to plan a meaningful memorial later, which I’ve found helps families heal.

Building a Picture of the Estate

Money and Tax

Gather their financial records—bank statements, insurance policies, debts, and the will. Check safe deposit boxes or with their attorney. List assets (house, car, jewelry) and get appraisals if needed. This step reveals what they owned and owed, critical for settling the estate.

Financial Security

Notify banks to freeze accounts and prevent fraud. Contact insurers for payouts—life insurance can ease financial strain. At Ripple, we advise families to keep a checklist; it’s easy to miss something in the fog of grief.

Working Out if You Need Probate

Probate is the court process to validate a will or appoint an administrator if there’s no will. It’s needed for solely owned assets (like a house) but not for joint accounts or those with beneficiaries (like life insurance). Small estates might skip it—check your state’s rules. An attorney can clarify this, though Ripple’s guidance often helps families start confidently.

Settle the Estate

Pay debts and taxes from estate funds, then distribute what’s left per the will or state law. Close accounts, cancel subscriptions, and file final court papers if probated. It’s meticulous work, but it brings closure. Keep records—transparency protects you.

What if Someone Dies Without a Will?

If there’s no will, intestacy laws kick in. The court names an administrator—usually a spouse or child—and assets go to next of kin (spouse first, then kids, then others). It varies by state, but without a plan, you lose control. I’ve seen families struggle here; pre-planning with Ripple can prevent this.

Which Estate Plan Is Best for You?

A will is basic—naming who gets what. Trusts manage assets and skip probate, saving time and taxes. Powers of attorney handle decisions if you’re incapacitated. Consult an attorney, but start simple—documenting their wishes can lift a huge burden off their families.

Benefits for Surviving Family Members

Survivors might get Social Security benefits—monthly payments for spouses, kids under 18 (or 19 if in school), or dependent parents. Life insurance, employee benefits, or veterans’ aid could apply too. Contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or insurers directly with a death certificate. Every bit helps ease the transition.

Lump-Sum Death Payment

The SSA offers a one-time $255 payment—unchanged since 1954, believe it or not—to a spouse or eligible child. Apply within two years at 1-800-772-1213. It’s small, but it’s something. Ripple can point you to this and other resources.

Survivor Benefits

Ongoing SSA survivor benefits support spouses (especially over 60 or with young kids), minor children, or disabled dependents, based on the deceased’s earnings. Apply online or by phone. It’s a lifeline I’ve seen steady many families.

Contact Us for Bereavement Advice

Coping with Grief and Bereavement

Grief hits hard, and there’s no timeline. Reach out Ripple, we’re here 24/7 at (917) 826-7010 or caroline@gotoripple.com to talk you through both the practical and emotional.

Losing someone is a storm of emotions and tasks, but you don’t have to face it alone. From that first call to settling the estate, Ripple is here to guide you with transparency and care, pre-planning, or memorial support tailored to you. My years in this industry taught me that every detail matters, and every family deserves respect. Call us at (917) 826-7010 or email us caroline@gotoripple.com. Let us help you navigate the ripples of loss with dignity and love.