Special circumstances
What if they were unhoused when they died?
Short answer
Call the county coroner or medical examiner. In California, they are responsible for identifying and handling unclaimed or unhoused deceased. If you have any identifying information, provide it. The county will handle burial if no family steps forward, but you can claim…
What this usually means
Call the county coroner or medical examiner. In California, they are responsible for identifying and handling unclaimed or unhoused deceased. If you have any identifying information, provide it. The county will handle burial if no family steps forward, but you can claim the body.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.