After your cremation services in South Bend, IN., for your loved one, there will most likely be a long list of things that need to be taken care of. Loans, bills, credit cards and other accounts will need to be notified and handled.
While this can seem overwhelming, if you make a list and take it one account at a time, it can be a little less hectic and easier to manage.
While every person has various accounts and companies to approach, here is a list of the most common and tips to manage them.
Social Security
Most funeral homes will notify social security for you if you give them the social security number of your loved one. If, for some reason, the funeral home does not handle this, you will need to contact he social security office yourself. You can reach them by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). This is also the number to call to check if you qualify for survivor benefits.
If your loved one was receiving checks in the mail from social security and receives a new one, you will want to return it. If the funds were delivered by direct deposit, the social security office will withdraw the funds electorally. Because of this, it is important to keep the bank open at least forty-five days to ensure this process can be completed.
Medicare and Medicaid
You should not have to contact Medicaid or Medicare. Once the Social Security office has been notified of your loved one’s passing, Medicare and Medicaid should automatically be notified.
Bank Accounts
Each bank is different, but most, if not all, will require you to provide either a certified copy of, or just a copy, of the death certificate. It is important to note not to close any bank accounts too quickly. There may be bills that haven’t cleared yet or other outstanding debts that will be paid from the account.
Credit Cards / Credit Agencies
Credit card accounts should be notified and closed as soon as possible. This will help prevent any new finance charges and interest from being added. However, you will first want to check if any of the cards have reoccurring subscriptions or any automatic bill pays connected to them. If so, make sure to cancel or transfer those accounts.
It is important to notify the credit card agencies as well. This will help freeze the accounts to prevent any identity theft in the future. The three credit agencies are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion and can be reached by phone at the following numbers:
- Experian 888-397-3742
- Equifax 888-548-7878
- TransUninon 800-916-8800
While these are some of the important accounts to contact after a loved one’s passing, there are most likely going to be more that you will need to manage.
If you are feeling overwhelmed after cremation services in South Bend, IN., don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. The professional and caring staff at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center is here to help. Call and speak to the staff to have you questions answered or to help find additional resources.