Guided FAQ doorway
Money, benefits, accounts, and bills
Existing PathAfter FAQ answers about bank accounts, benefits, insurance, bills, pensions, and fraud risks after a death.
Bank accounts and bills
What about joint credit card debt?You are responsible for the full balance as the surviving joint account holder. The estate may contribute to repayment, but creditors can and will come… Debt, Credit, and Financial IdentityWhat about their credit card debt?If the card was solely in their name and you were not a joint account holder (authorized users are not joint holders), the debt is a claim against the e… Debt, Credit, and Financial IdentityWho pays their credit card debt after they die?The estate is responsible, not family members — unless you were a joint account holder (not just an authorized user). Creditors may file claims against… Money and AccountsHow do I access their bank account after they die?If you are a joint account holder, you already have access. If you are a named beneficiary on a POD (payable on death) account, bring a certified death… Money and AccountsHow do I open an estate bank account?Once you have letters testamentary from probate court, take them to a bank along with your ID and the death certificate. Ask to open an estate checking… Bank Accounts and Financial InstitutionsShould I freeze their bank account?Do not freeze it unilaterally — you generally cannot unless you are a joint holder or legal representative. Do notify the bank of the death so it can fl… Money and AccountsThe bank won't let me access the account. What do I do?The bank is following the law — they cannot release funds without legal authority. Your options depend on the account type. If you are a joint holder, y… Bank Accounts and Financial InstitutionsWhat happens to their bank account when they die?Joint accounts transfer to the surviving account holder. POD accounts transfer to the named beneficiary. Accounts with no joint holder or beneficiary go… Money and AccountsWhat if the bank account has no beneficiary and the estate is large enough to require probate?The executor — once appointed by the court — can open an estate bank account and manage funds through probate. The court issues letters testamentary, wh… Bank Accounts and Financial InstitutionsShould I close their credit cards right away?Close accounts in their name only — you cannot continue to use a deceased person's credit card. Keep joint accounts you may need. Before closing, downlo… Debt, Credit, and Financial Identity
Benefits and insurance
How do I claim employer-provided life insurance?Contact the deceased's HR department. Ask for the group life insurance carrier name and policy number. File directly with that insurer using their claim… Employer Benefits and WorkplaceWhat employer benefits might I be entitled to after a spouse dies?Check for: life insurance through the employer (often 1–3x salary), accidental death and dismemberment (if the death qualifies), continuation of health… Employer Benefits and WorkplaceWhat if the employer life insurance beneficiary is wrong or outdated?If the named beneficiary is deceased or the designation is outdated, the insurer will look to the policy terms — often defaulting to the estate. You may… Employer Benefits and WorkplaceCan I receive both my own Social Security and survivor benefits?Not simultaneously in full. You receive whichever is higher — your own benefit or the survivor benefit — but not both stacked. SSA will calculate which… Social Security Survivor BenefitsWhat are Social Security survivor benefits for a surviving spouse?Monthly payments based on your deceased spouse's Social Security work record. The amount depends on their earnings history and your age. At full retirem… Social Security Survivor BenefitsWhat are Social Security survivor benefits?Monthly payments to a surviving spouse, dependent children, or in some cases dependent parents. Amount depends on the deceased's work record. A survivin… Social Security and BenefitsWhen should I apply for Social Security survivor benefits?As soon as possible — but understand that benefits are not retroactive beyond 6 months in most cases, so do not wait too long. Call SSA at 1-800-772-121… Social Security Survivor BenefitsWhat happens to their health insurance?Employer health coverage ends at death. If you were covered on their plan, you may be eligible for COBRA continuation for up to 36 months. If they were… Social Security and BenefitsCan I receive survivor benefits and still work?If you are below full retirement age, Social Security may reduce your benefit if you earn above the annual earnings limit ($22,320 in 2024). Above full… Social Security Survivor BenefitsHow do I claim my spouse's pension?Contact the pension plan administrator — usually the deceased's former employer or union. Ask specifically: is there a survivor benefit, what is the amo… Pension, Retirement, and Investment Accounts
Fraud and identity protection
What if I see fraudulent accounts opened in the deceased's name?File a police report. Contact the credit bureau where the fraudulent account appears and dispute it as fraud. Contact the creditor directly with the dea… Identity Theft and Online FraudWhat about charity scams after a death?Obituaries that request memorial donations to a charity attract fake charity solicitors. Before donating, verify any charity at Charity Navigator (chari… Identity Theft and Online FraudWhat if I find out the deceased was a victim of a scam before they died?The estate may have legal recourse. Contact the California Department of Justice Bureau of Malpractice Investigation, the FTC, or a consumer protection… Identity Theft and Online FraudWhat if someone is using the deceased's social media accounts?Report the account to the platform as belonging to a deceased person. Facebook allows memorialization or removal. Instagram allows removal with a death… Identity Theft and Online FraudWhat phishing scams target people who have recently lost someone?Fake emails claiming to be from banks, the IRS, Social Security, or insurance companies asking for "verification" of the deceased's information or your… Identity Theft and Online FraudWhat are Medicare fraud risks after a death?Medicare records can be used to file fraudulent claims for medical services never rendered. Notify Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 promptly after a death. Re… Identity Theft and Online FraudWhat are contractor scams targeting surviving spouses?Contractors solicit homeowners who have recently lost a spouse — often by reading obituaries — offering repairs, inspections, or cleanup services. Commo… Estate and Property FraudWhat is an estate sale scam?Fraudulent estate sale companies that take a high commission (sometimes 40–50%), remove valuable items before the sale, or fail to pay the estate the pr… Estate and Property Fraud