After the immediate stress of handling the services and other details surrounding the death of a loved one, the seemingly overwhelming task of dealing with financial, insurance, and legal affairs begins. This section covers social security, veterans affairs, and life insurance. In addition, a checklist is provided which outlines matters to be considered in the areas of government, finances, insurance and pensions, stocks and bonds, and property. This section is not intended to be comprehensive and in no way mitigates the need to consult with financial and legal professionals.

Social Security Benefits

The following checklist is designed to help you file for Social Security benefits correctly so that prompt payments may be made.

Applying for Benefits You must apply in order to receive benefits. You may apply in person at any Social Security Office or by phoning (800) 772-1213. When phoning, the social security operator will schedule an appointment for you or arrange for the local Social Security Office to take your claim by telephone. Make sure you have the deceased's social security number before calling. You may also need the following documentation:

1. proof of deceased workers earnings for the last year (W-2 or tax return)
2. your birth certificate
3. marriage certificate (if applying as a widow, widower, or divorcee)
4. divorce decree (if divorced)
5. childrens' birth certificates (if applying for children benefits)
6. your checking/savings account information (if you want direct deposit)

Eligibility The deceased worker must have credit for work covered by Social Security, ranging from 1 to 10 years depending upon his or her age at death.

Lump-Sum Death Payment A one-time payment is made in addition to the monthly cash benefits described below. The lump-sum death payment (LSDP) is paid in the following priority order:

1. a surviving spouse who lived in the same household as the deceased person at the time of death
2. a surviving spouse eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death
3. a child or children eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death

Who May Receive Monthly Benefits? The following individuals may be eligible to receive a monthly benefit:

1. a widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled), or at any age if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled
2. a divorced widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) if the marriage lasted 10 years, or if caring for an entitled child who is under 16 or disabled,
3. unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school full time)
4. children who were disabled before reaching 22, as long as they remained disabled
5. dependent parent or parents 62 or older

Social Security Business by Phone You may call Social Security toll-free, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The number is (800) 772-1213. To speak with a representative, call between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on regular business days. At other times and on weekends and holidays, you may leave a message and, in most cases, they will call you back the next business day. You may use the toll-free number to make an appointment at the Social Security office, to schedule a telephone appointment, to ask questions, or to transact other Social Security business.

Military personnel or honorably discharged veterans are entitled to benefits. The following benefits may be available:

1. death pension to the widow and minor children
2. reimbursement of part of the funeral expense to a funeral home or person who paid the bill
3. burial in National cemeteries
4. burial flag and grave markers
5. death certificates (Utah provides one free certificate to each veteran)

Local VFW or American Legion posts are also available to provide graveside military honors such as folding and presenting the flag, gun salutes, and Taps, if the family so desires. Additional benefit information and claim forms are available at the funeral home. Families may also call the Veterans Administration at (800) 827-1000.

Documents required for claiming veterans benefits are:

1. itemized receipted funeral bill
2. veterans discharge papers (Form DD-214)
3. certified copy of the death certificate (state of Utah provides each veteran with one free death certificate)
4. marriage certificate
5. birth certificates of minor children.

Traditionally, life insurance companies require only two documents to establish proof of claim: a claim statement (provided by the insurance company) and a certified copy of the death certificate. Your insurance company, however, may request further information or proof if they deem it necessary.

When filing claims, you may be required to provide the following information:

1. the original policy or signed statement stating the policy has been lost or destroyed
2. the policy number and face amount
3. the full name and address of the deceased
4. his/her occupation and date last worked
5. his/her date and place of birth and the source of birth information
6. date, place, and cause of death
7. claimant's name, age, relationship to the deceased, address, and Social Security number.

There are several ways of settling insurance claims. You may opt for a lump-sum benefit, or you may choose to have the money paid to you over an extended period of time. In the latter case, the bulk of money remains with the insurance company and generally gains interest. Check with your insurance agent, financial advisor, or attorney to find out which method is right for you.

Checklist

The following checklist is provided to give you an idea of the details that need to be resolved after a loved one has died. This list is by no means exhaustive and should not take the place of consulting with legal and financial professionals.

Social Security Call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to transfer, terminate, or request benefits.

Veterans Administration Claim forms can be requested and completed at the funeral home, or at any VA Hospital or clinic. Questions can be directed to the Veterans Administration at (800) 827-1000.

Financial Matters

Bank Accounts Change all bank accounts and remove the deceased's name from those accounts. You will need a certified copy of the death certificate.

Outstanding Loans Contact any financial institution where the deceased had a loan and inform them of the death. They will be able to inform you if the loan was covered by a credit life insurance policy and, if so, what is required to file the claim. A death certificate is often required.

Outstanding Bills Gather all outstanding bills together and make sure you are aware of all credit obligations of the deceased.

Credit Cards Contact credit card companies and notify them of the death. Some credit cards and charge accounts include a life insurance policy with them. Verify needed documentation to terminate or transfer the account to the survivor's name. They may require a certified copy of the death certificate.

Credit Bureau Contact your credit bureau. Ask for assistance to transfer your spouses credit into your name. They may also be able to assist you in determining any outstanding obligations of the deceased.

Safety Deposit Box A safety deposit box, held jointly or in the deceased's sole name, will be sealed until a county or state official can take inventory. The bank must know the date of death, interest of person making inquiry, whether the key is available, and whether the box was rented in the deceased's sole name or jointly with others.

Income Tax You may need to keep additional certified copies of the death certificate to send with your income tax returns.

Insurance & Pensions

Life Insurance Contact all life insurance companies with whom the deceased had policies. Request a claim form or ask the local insurance agent for help. Send in the claim form, the policy, and a certified copy of the death certificate. When making your claim, ask for the refund of any unused portion of the premium. Our staff will gladly assist you with these requests.

Health Insurance Contact all health insurance companies to notify them of the death and stop coverage on the deceased.

Insurance Review Review your own insurance needs. Often, these needs change after the death of a family member or other loved one. Good organization of your own insurance information can aid survivors at the time this information is needed.

Pensions and Retirement Funds Contact all sources of retirement funds the deceased was receiving and apply for any benefits that are due. You may need a certified copy of the death certificate.

Note If a company requests a certified copy of the death certificate, but they are not providing you with a benefit, allow the company to pay for their own certified copy. For example, a life insurance company will pay the claim for life insurance, so you need to provide them with a certified copy of the death certificate. A health insurance company, on the other hand, just needs to stop coverage; so allow them to provide their own certified copy of the death certificate if they require one.

Stocks & Bonds

Savings Bonds A Single Ownership Bond is part of the estate, and will be paid or re-issued to a qualified person. A Beneficiary Bond (one owner, payable on death to a beneficiary) becomes the property of the beneficiary. If the beneficiary dies first, no action is required unless a new beneficiary or co-owner is added. Proof of death is required for redemption or re-issue. The survivor becomes the owner of the Co-Ownership Bond (two names on bond); a beneficiary or co-owner may be added. An attorney or banker should be consulted.

Stocks Stocks in the deceased's sole name require probate actions. Stocks owned jointly may be transferred to the surviving owner by presentation of a certified copy of the death certificate to each company in which stock is jointly owned. A broker or banker can assist you.

Property Deeds Change the deed on your property and remove the deceased's name from the deed. This is done at the county seat where the property is located. Real estate owned jointly by husband and wife is automatically transferred to the survivor but a certified copy of the death certificate should be filed with county authorities in connection with the real estate deed. Real estate owned solely by the deceased (tenant in common) or jointly with someone other than husband or wife must be probated whether or not there is a will. Estate and gift taxes should be thoroughly checked by an attorney.

Titles and Registrations Change the titles and registrations of your vehicles. This is done at the county vehicle registration division. This includes cars, trucks, trailers, motor homes, mobile homes, etc. You may typically use a photocopy of the death certificate for this.

Utilities Change all utilities from the deceased's name. You may want to place utilities in joint accounts with another family member to help in processing future estates.