Employer Benefits and Workplace
What employer benefits might I be entitled to after a spouse dies?
Short answer
Check for: life insurance through the employer (often 1–3x salary), accidental death and dismemberment (if the death qualifies), continuation of health insurance through COBRA, pension survivor benefits, 401k or retirement plan balance, accrued vacation or PTO payout, employee assistance program (EAP) grief…
What this usually means
Check for: life insurance through the employer (often 1–3x salary), accidental death and dismemberment (if the death qualifies), continuation of health insurance through COBRA, pension survivor benefits, 401k or retirement plan balance, accrued vacation or PTO payout, employee assistance program (EAP) grief counseling, and any unpaid wages or bonuses.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.