Practical guidance, checklists, and trusted contacts to help you take the next steps—one at a time.
Start here for the most urgent tasks in the first days after loss
Contact immediate family, close friends, and employer
Lock doors, forward mail, protect valuables
Request 10-15 certified copies (needed for accounts)
Report death to receive applicable benefits
Complete any remaining service details
Gather will, insurance, bank statements, titles
Emergency: If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Take things one step at a time. These timelines help you know what to do and when.
Quick access to the agencies and organizations you may need to contact
Always confirm hours and requirements before visiting or calling
Report death, stop benefits, apply for survivor benefits
You'll need:
Burial benefits, survivor benefits, military honors
You'll need:
Place fraud alert or credit freeze to prevent identity theft
File final tax return, estate taxes, identity theft PIN
Order additional certified death certificates
Local County Health Departments:
24/7 support if you're in crisis or need someone to talk to
Crisis Lines (24/7):
Grief Support Hotlines:
Online Grief Resources:
Unfortunately, scammers sometimes target grieving families. Taking a few protective steps now can prevent headaches later.
Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
Be cautious of "past due medical bills" or unexpected charges—verify before paying
Never share Social Security numbers or banking info over phone unless you initiated the contact
Forward mail, change passwords, and monitor accounts for suspicious activity
Be especially careful with:
You don't have to navigate grief alone. Help is available.
Grief is different for everyone. You might feel sadness, anger, numbness, guilt, or even relief—sometimes all at once. You might struggle to focus, sleep, or eat. Some days will feel harder than others, and that's completely normal.
There's no "right way" to grieve, and there's no timeline. Be gentle with yourself. Healing doesn't mean forgetting—it means learning to carry the loss while moving forward.
One-on-one or family counseling with licensed therapists who specialize in grief and loss.
1st Avenue SW Old Bank Building, Suite 200
101 Dogwood Ln
"Amazing staff who only want the best for you."
100 1st Ave SW Suite 202E, 3rd Floor
"Very professional and extremely knowledgeable!"
Meet others who understand what you're going through in a safe, supportive environment.
Christian-based support group for widows and widowers navigating grief and loss
Find local grief support groups meeting in churches and community centers
Many local churches and community organizations offer grief support groups. Contact us for current meeting schedules and locations.
Age-appropriate counseling and support groups designed specifically for young people processing loss.
Immediate support available anytime, day or night.
If you are in immediate crisis or considering self-harm, please call or text 988 right now. You are not alone, and help is available.
Common questions families ask during the aftercare period
We're here to answer questions, provide guidance, and support you through every step of the aftercare process.
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This page provides general guidance and is not legal or financial advice.
Please confirm requirements with agencies, as policies may vary by location.