First 24 Hours After Death: A Practical Checklist

Session 1: Immediate Actions (First 1-2 Hours)

Complete these critical first steps. Take your time, you do not need to rush.

• [ ] Get legal pronouncement of death

  • Hospital/hospice: Staff will handle this
  • Home without medical care: Call 911 or the local coroner
  • Timeframe needed: Before body can be moved

• [ ] Contact funeral home for body transport

  • If pre-planned: Call the designated funeral home
  • If not: Choose a local funeral home
  • They will coordinate with hospital/coroner's office
  • Ask about immediate refrigeration needs

• [ ] Notify immediate family members

  • Call closest family first (spouse, children, parents)
  • Ask someone to help notify extended family
  • Request that no one posts on social media yet

• [ ] Secure the home and valuables (if they lived alone)

  • Lock doors and windows
  • Remove perishable food from refrigerator
  • Care for pets or arrange temporary care
  • Take photos of valuable items for inventory

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Session 2: Essential Notifications (Hours 2-8)

These notifications prevent complications and protect the estate.

• [ ] Contact employer (if applicable)

  • Ask about: Final paycheck, life insurance, 401(k), accrued benefits
  • Get contact for HR/benefits department

• [ ] Notify life insurance companies

  • Find policy documents or check bank records for payments
  • Most policies have 24-48 hour notification requirements
  • Get claim forms started

• [ ] Contact Social Security Administration

  • Phone: 1-800-772-1213
  • Must report within reasonable timeframe
  • Ask about survivor benefits eligibility
  • Any payments received after death must be returned

• [ ] Notify Veterans Affairs (if applicable)

  • Phone: 1-800-827-1000
  • Benefits may include: Burial allowance, flag, headstone
  • Ask about survivor benefits for spouse/children

• [ ] Contact banks and credit card companies

  • Notify of death, do not close accounts yet
  • Stop automatic payments after reviewing what's necessary
  • Ask about joint accounts and access procedures

Session 3: Documentation and Planning (Hours 8-24)

Organize information you'll need for the coming days.

• [ ] Locate important documents

  • Will and estate planning documents
  • Trust documents if applicable
  • Marriage certificate (needed for many claims)
  • Birth certificate
  • Military discharge papers (DD-214)

• [ ] Find insurance policies

  • Life insurance
  • Health insurance (to cancel)
  • Homeowner's/renter's insurance
  • Auto insurance
  • Any other coverage

• [ ] Gather financial account information

  • Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
  • Investment accounts (401(k), IRA, brokerage)
  • Safe deposit box location and key
  • Outstanding debts and creditors

• [ ] Collect property information

  • Property deeds
  • Vehicle titles
  • Mortgage information
  • Lease agreements

• [ ] List ongoing services and subscriptions

  • Utilities (keep essential ones running)
  • Subscription services
  • Memberships
  • Automatic deliveries

• [ ] Meet with funeral director

  • Arrange transportation if not done
  • Discuss preliminary arrangements
  • Ask about death certificate copies (get at least 10)
  • Review pricing and options before committing

• [ ] Draft obituary

  • Include: Full name, age, dates, survivors, service info
  • Consider: Photo, charities for donations
  • Check with family before publishing

How to Use This Checklist in 3 Sessions

Session 1 (First 1-2 hours): Focus ONLY on pronouncement, funeral home contact, and immediate family notification. Everything else can wait.

Session 2 (Hours 2-8): Handle notifications that have time sensitivity. Take breaks between calls.

Session 3 (Hours 8-24): Gather documents and start organizing. Do not make major financial decisions yet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making rushed decisions

• Do not commit to expensive funeral arrangements immediately
• Wait at least a week before making major financial choices
• You have time, funeral homes cannot pressure you

Forgetting self-care

• Grief is physically exhausting, eat even if you are not hungry
• Accept help when offered, do not try to do everything alone
• Rest when you can, this process takes weeks and months

Social media mistakes

• Wait for all close family to be notified before any posts
• Consider asking one person to manage announcements
• Remember: Once posted, it cannot be undone

Documentation oversights

• Take photos of important documents with your phone
• Keep everything in one folder or envelope
• Do not throw anything away yet, even bills

Remember: You Do Not Have to Do This Alone

If you feel overwhelmed, ask a trusted friend or family member to:

• Make phone calls on your behalf
• Help locate documents
• Take notes during funeral home meetings
• Bring you food and water

Grief affects your ability to think clearly. Having someone with you helps ensure nothing important is missed.

Additional Resources

For detailed guidance on any of these steps, see our companion guide: What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Someone Dies

For help with notifications: Who to Call When Someone Dies: Contact Priority Guide