Nobody tells you what to do after someone passes. Beyond the funeral, there are calls to make, accounts to close, benefits to claim and paperwork that protects you from scams and identity theft. These free resources walk you through it one step at a ...
USA.gov's step-by-step checklist for what to do when someone dies. A calm place to start when everything feels overwhelming.
When someone dies
Social Security survivor benefits for spouses, children and sometimes parents. The funeral home usually reports the death, but you must apply for benefits.
Survivor benefits
The FTC Funeral Rule says funeral homes must give you an itemized price list. Know your rights so you don't overpay while grieving.
FTC funeral rule articles 0300
Order certified death certificates in Texas. Get several copies, since banks, insurers and agencies each want one.
Death Records | Texas DSHS
IRS guide to filing a final tax return for someone who passed, and who is responsible for it.
IRS individuals deceased taxpayers filing the final returns of a deceased person
NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator searches for policies you may not know about. It's free and many families find money this way.
Life Insurance Policy Locator
Thieves target the deceased. Tell the credit bureaus and watch for fraud, and IdentityTheft.gov helps if it happens.
IdentityTheft.gov
VA burial benefits for veterans: burial allowance, headstones, flags and burial in a national cemetery.
VA burial benefits and memorial items | Veterans Affairs
TexasLawHelp explains probate, small estates and who inherits in Texas. Free forms and guides in English and Spanish.
What Do When Someone Dies
How to handle a deceased person's Medicare claims and benefits.
Medicare Basics Forms Publications Mailings Forms Claims Deceased Beneficiary
Search ClaimItTexas for unclaimed money in your loved one's name, like old deposits or uncashed checks.
Claim It Texas
Funeral Consumers Alliance helps families compare costs and plan affordable, meaningful funerals.
Funerals
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has consumer guides on planning a funeral and comparing costs. Tip: ask every funeral home for its itemized general price list.
Nfda
Legacy.com hosts online obituaries and guestbooks so friends and family can share memories in one place. Tip: leave out birth dates and addresses to help prevent identity theft.
Legacy
GriefShare helps you find local grief support groups that meet weekly after the loss of a loved one. Tip: search by ZIP code to find a group near you, many also meet online.
