RESOURCES

Because of their growing independence, teenagers usually feel the need to keep their feelings of grief to themselves to show the people around them that they’re grown up and can control how they feel. But because this is most often not the case, they are more likely to engage in high-risk behavior because they are unable to properly express their feelings, especially after the death of a loved one. Although they might feel more comfortable talking to their peers and friends, do not feel disappointed. If anything, this will help them open up their feelings and will make way for healing. This doesn’t mean that you no longer talk to them. Create opportunities where you can talk about the loss, listen to their concerns, empathize with them, and assure them that you are there to help them cope.

Organizations to Contact

• Social Security Administration, 800-772-1213
• Veteran’s Administration (if decedent was formerly in the military).
• Defense Finance and Accounting Service, 216-522-6680 (military service retiree receiving benefits).
• Office of Personnel Management, 888-767-6738 (if decedent is a retired or former federal civil service employee).
• State Department of Motor Vehicles (if decedent had a driver’s license or state ID).
• State and/or County Board of Elections (if decedent was a registered voter).
• US Postal Service to forward the decedent’s mail to another address
• Professional associations and unions.
• Health clubs and athletic clubs.
• Automobile clubs.
• Public library.
• Alumni clubs.
• Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Veterans’ organizations and clubs.

Financial and Insurance Companies

• Credit card and merchant card companies
• Banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions
• Mortgage companies and lenders
• Financial planners and stockbrokers
• Pension providers
• Life insurers and annuity companies
• Health, medical and dental insurers
• Disability insurer
• Automotive insurer
• Mutual benefit companies

Financial and Insurance Companies

There are three national credit reporting agencies which you should notify of the death and instruct them to list all accounts as: “Closed. Account Holder is Deceased.” You may also request a credit report to obtain a list of all creditors and to review recent credit activities. 

• Experian, 888-397-3742, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, Texas 75013.
• Equifax, 800-525-6285, P.O. Box 105139, Atlanta, Georgia 30348.
• TransUnion, 800-680-7289, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, Pennsylvania 19022 - 2000

Check below each Credit Reporting Agency you wish to send this Notification. It is recommended that you send the Notification to each Credit Reporting Agency with copies of the death certificate and, if you are the personal representative of the estate, your appointment papers from the Probate Court. Prior to sending, make copies for your records.

You can also print out a notification from that can be mailed into each agency, by clicking here. 

Social Media Sites

It can be easy to overlook social media websites, and since these websites provide various options, it is always advisable to visit the website and determine what course of action may be best. Each social media website has different requirements for making changes to a loved one's account; we recommend printing out the Social Media Notification Checklist by clicking here, to help guide you through this complex process.