Question: Who should I contact after my wife's death to let them know she died?
Answer: Here are some of the places and individuals you need to notify after the death of your wife. There is no order in who to contact first.
Don't forget notifying extended and distant family members and friends, too. If you are feeling very overwhelmed, you can avoid hurting others' feelings by asking someone else to do this for you.
Social Security Administration - 1-800-772-1213. Do not cash any checks received for the month in which your spouse died or thereafter. They need to be returned to the SSA. If Social Security benefits were received via direct deposit, you will need to notify your bank also. You also need to check on survivor benefits for both yourself and your children.
Dept of Veteran Affairs if spouse was in the military for burial and memorial benefits.
Automobile registration and insurance
Work related associates
Insurance policies
Banks and Credit Unions
Utility bills
Credit cards and Loan Companies
Organization and Church Memberships
Landlord or Mortgage Company
Telephone Company if you want your listing changed More Marriage Q&A
