What to do with money when someone dies

When someone dies, very little about their money has to happen in the first few days. Get several certified death certificates, find the will and the person in charge of the estate, then work through accounts, debts and taxes over the following weeks, knowing that family members usually don't have to pay a loved one's debts from their own money.

Social Security usually hears from the funeral home

Funeral homes generally report a death to Social Security. If none is involved, call 1-800-772-1213. A surviving spouse may get a one-time $255 payment, and some family members can get monthly survivor benefits.

The executor handles the estate

The executor named in the will, or an administrator a court appoints, gathers the assets, pays debts and final bills from the estate, and distributes what's left. State probate rules decide how.

Family is usually not on the hook

You may owe a debt yourself if you cosigned, were a joint account holder, are a spouse in a community property state such as California or in a state that requires it, or didn't follow probate law as executor.

A final tax return is still due

The surviving spouse or representative files a final income tax return by the usual deadline. Very few estates owe federal estate tax, which starts above $15,000,000 in 2026.

The first few days

Take care of people first. Arrange the funeral or memorial, and make sure the home, car, pets and mail are safe. Ask the funeral home for 10 to 12 certified copies of the death certificate, since many companies need one before they'll talk to you. If no funeral home is involved, your local health department can provide them.

Look for the will and any estate papers, and find out who the executor is. If there's no will, a court can appoint someone. You don't need to close accounts or sell anything yet. Keep paying essential bills, like the mortgage or rent and utilities, if the home needs protecting.

Who to notify in the first weeks

Funeral homes usually tell Social Security about a death. If not, call Social Security with the person's name, Social Security number, date of birth and date of death. A surviving spouse may get a one-time $255 payment, and a spouse, ex-spouse married at least 10 years, child or dependent parent may qualify for monthly survivor benefits.

Then contact the person's employer and former employers about final pay, life insurance and retirement plans, plus insurance companies, banks and credit unions, and the Department of Veterans Affairs if they served. Tell the three credit bureaus about the death and ask for a copy of the credit report, which helps you find debts and prevents fraud in the person's name.

Handling debts and collectors

Debts don't disappear at death, but they're owed by the estate. The executor pays them from the person's money and property. If the estate runs out, the remaining debt usually goes unpaid. Family members generally don't have to pay from their own money unless they cosigned, shared the account or a state rule applies.

Under federal law, debt collectors can only discuss the debt with the spouse, the executor or administrator, or a few others. They can't call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and they must give written details of the debt. Ask for that in writing before paying anything, and if you're unsure whether you owe it, talk to a lawyer or a legal aid office.

Accounts that pass outside the estate

Some money goes straight to a named person and skips probate: life insurance, retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA, and bank accounts marked payable on death. Ask each company who is listed as beneficiary and how to claim. A beneficiary designation usually takes priority over the will.

Joint accounts with a right of survivorship usually pass to the surviving owner. Check with the bank before moving any money, and don't use the person's own accounts or cards to pay bills unless you're the executor acting for the estate.

Probate, taxes and getting help

Probate is the court process that confirms the executor and oversees the estate. Some states offer a simpler process for small estates. Rules and timelines differ a lot by state, so look up your state court's probate self-help pages or LawHelp.org, and consider a probate attorney if the estate includes a home or the family disagrees.

The person's final income tax return is due by the normal deadline for the year they died. A surviving spouse can still file jointly for that year. The IRS doesn't need a copy of the death certificate with the return. If a refund is due and you're not a spouse or court-appointed representative, you file Form 1310 with it.