Do You Know These Important Steps to Take after the Funeral?

By: VGFS
Monday, December 28, 2020

Few occasions are more life-altering than a loved one’s passing. It’s not uncommon for survivors to feel bereft and lost.

Knowledgeable, compassionate funeral providers are there to help you navigate the emotional and practical logistics of planning a memorable funeral or memorial service for your loved one. But once the service has ended, do you know what comes next? Many tasks lie ahead and without preparation they can seem overwhelming. It’s important to note that everything does not need to be done immediately. Here are some key steps you’ll want to take after the funeral.

Start with the key administrative tasks that need attention:

  • Locate the decedent’s will or trust and determine the executor or trustee. The named executor or trustee will need to file any necessary paperwork, follow guidelines and laws, and oversee the distribution of property.
  • Collect the mail. This will help you track any outstanding bills, memberships, and subscriptions. Compile account numbers, dates of service, and other information you will need to cancel applicable accounts or transfer them to someone else. If you are unsure if you are responsible for your family member’s debt, consult with an estate attorney.

Additionally, you should contact the following entities:

  • Social Security Administration (SSA). In Maryland, your chosen funeral provider will generally do this for you as a courtesy. However, it’s always wise to confirm this with your funeral director. Contact SSA to inquire about survivor benefits as you or other family members may be eligible for, such as a portion of the deceased’s Social Security benefits.
  • Credit card companies and credit reporting agencies. It’s important to take steps to prevent your loved one’s identity from being stolen or their credit abused. Contact applicable credit card companies to notify them of the death and close his or her accounts. Also contact the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experience, and Transunion, to let them know that the person is deceased to prevent new accounts from being opened in their name.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If your loved one served in the military, family members may be entitled to a number of benefits. You will also need to contact the VA to stop any benefits that the departed was receiving.

Above all, make time for self-care.

Losing is a loved one is a traumatizing experience. You need time to heal emotionally and adjust to the change. Many people spend time comforting others without paying any attention to their own needs. Take a break, go for a drive, chat with friends and family, and indulge in activities that bring you peace. Dealing with loss can be draining, so it’s important to replenish your energy and step away from your responsibilities whenever you are able to do so.

The loss of a beloved friend or family member requires many emotional and practical adjustments.

The first days and weeks can be challenging as your loved one’s passing becomes more of a reality. This is the time to put your needs first. Having the support of a qualified estate attorney and a caring funeral provider can make this period much easier.

If you have questions or need assistance, we are always here to help. Please contact us anytime to speak to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate staff members.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Returning to Work After a Loved One Passes: Eight Helpful Coping Strategies

When you are returning to work after a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional journey filled with uncertainty. If the prospect of heading back to your workplace after loss feels overwhelmin...

How Should You Choose the Day and Time of the Funeral?

When bidding farewell to a cherished family member or friend, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is selecting the appropriate day and time of the funeral. Amid the emotional challen...

Celebrating National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month

This September we celebrate National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Starting in 1989, National Recovery Month was coined to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery...

Do You Know the Signs of Dehydration? Seven Sneaky Symptoms That Might Surprise You

We pay close attention to the signs of dehydration we've grown accustomed to, but these less-apparent indictors are just as important. We all know staying hydrated is critical for good health, esp...

Planning Your Own Funeral? Here's Why That's a Smart Way to Go

Planning your funeral is an act of compassion that alleviates the stress on your family, allowing them to focus on healing and cherishing your memory. There are few things in life as poignant as c...

The AFRO Honors Morticians as Unsung Heroes

The AFRO honored the “Unsung Heroes” of the COVID-19 pandemic at Valley Mansion by Martin’s on Aug. 6. At a special event earlier this month, the media company commended morticians for their...

Seven Important Considerations When Making Funeral Decisions for a Departed Loved One

Making funeral decisions can be challenging, but it also offers an opportunity to celebrate the life of your loved one. Saying goodbye to a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences any f...

August is Black-Owned Business Month: We Celebrate With You

During August, we celebrate and recognize Black Business Month and the invaluable contributions generations of Black Americans have made in our communities, economy, and world. The forward momentu...

Seven Lesser-Known Signs of Dementia that Might Surprise You

While most people are aware of its familiar symptoms like memory loss, there are lesser-known signs of dementia that can be just as important. Dementia is a condition that affects millions of indi...

Wondering What to Bring to a Funeral or Celebration of Life?

While sympathy cards or floral arrangements are customary, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to what to bring to a funeral, memorial, or life celebration. While our presence at a funera...