Living with Loss: Do You Know What to Expect After the Funeral?

By: Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services
Monday, December 28, 2020

It takes time to adjust to the loss of a loved one. Once the funeral is over, you may feel as if you're left without any type of road map.

Just as your funeral provider and funeral director guide the planning and execution of your loved one’s funeral or memorial service, there are also tasks that will need your attention after the service. While some to-dos are more time-sensitive, others can wait until you feel emotionally and mentally prepared. Below is some helpful guidance as to what to expect after the funeral.

Locate the will and begin the estate settlement process.

One of the most time-sensitive tasks is to determine the designated executor of the deceased’s will or trust and file the original documents with the local probate office as soon as possible. Settling an estate can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Use this time to give yourself a pause. Permit yourself to put off making potentially emotionally-charged decisions right now. It is perfectly fine to wait until the estate is settled to distribute your loved one’s property.

Notify necessary institutions.

It’s important to notify the Social Security Administration and any other applicable government agencies in a timely manner to end or begin receiving benefits. A surviving spouse or children may qualify to receive a one-time $255 death benefit from the Social Security Administration. Additionally, survivor benefits may be available for spouses and ex-spouses who were married to the deceased for ten years or more. Contact his or her employer’s human resources department to determine how and when any final paychecks and benefits will be distributed. If your loved one served in the U.S. military, you may be entitled to some of the deceased’s benefits. Contact Veterans affairs and be sure to have your loved one’s VA or service number and dates of active duty on hand.

Protect your departed loved one from identity theft.

Start by contacting relevant credit card companies to inform them of your family member’s passing. To further reduce the chance of identity theft and other forms of financial fraud, contact the three major credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax) so they can add a ‘deceased’ flag to the account.

Unpaid bills will also need to be dealt with over time.

Collect any mail that is addressed to the departed. Track all of the account numbers and be sure to notify the companies that he or she passed away. You'll also want to contact and cancel any memberships and subscriptions. If your spouse passed and you are worried about how to handle their unpaid bills, note that in some states surviving spouses are not responsible for paying off the other’s debts. Know your rights. Become familiar with your state’s laws or better yet, consult with an estate attorney.

Be gentle with yourself.

Finally, a ‘task’ that is vital to your wellbeing is to practice self-care. Drink plenty of water, eat properly, and rest when you can. Try to get outside for walks and keep in touch with others, even if it’s just a periodic call or Zoom chat with a trusted family member or friend. If you require additional support, look into local grief support groups at your church or community center. Others who know what you're going through can help you adjust to life after the funeral. It will take time, so allow yourself to heal at your own pace.

We hope this information is helpful as you travel your grief journey. If you have additional administrative questions, we are always here for you. Please contact our caring team anytime.

About Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services: As a leading African American-owned and operated funeral and cremation organization, Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services has provided a ministry of care to thousands of grieving families. We promise to provide our highest level of distinguished service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. In all aspects of the funeral process, we strive to be the absolute best and are honored to help preserve our clients’ legacies for future generations. With two convenient locations serving North and West Philadelphia, it is always our pleasure to be of service. Please visit our website for more information.

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

How to Sort Through Your Departed Loved One’s Belongings and Keep their Memory Alive

Going through a loved one’s belongings after they have passed away is often difficult but you can make the process easier. Just as there is no right way to grieve, there is no specific time that y...

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Knowing The Warning Signs Could Save Your Life.

This year, recognize Stroke Awareness Month by learning more about stroke prevention and detection. When it comes to strokes, every second counts! Nearly two million brain cells die each minute a ...

If You Can’t Sleep, These Seven Surprising Culprits Might Be to Blame

Do you find yourself lying awake in bed or tossing and turning all night? If you can’t sleep, these sneaky slumber thieves could be the cause. Sleep disorders affect an estimated 33% of Americans....

How Much Do You Know About Senior Home Safety?

While familiar surroundings can be comforting as we grow older, home safety measures require extra attention. Changes that come with the aging process like declining vision, hearing, and bone dens...

Honor Your Departed Loved One with These Creative Outdoor Memorial Ideas

Outdoor memorial ideas can range from basic stones to elaborate gardens. Finding a special way to pay tribute to a departed loved one can bring great comfort. Think about the one who passed on and...

It’s Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. Here are Seven Important Things to Know.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects nearly 1 million adults in the United States and those numbers are growing. MS is both a complex disease of the central nervous system and an autoimmune condition. ...

Do You Know the Rules for Legally Scattering Ashes?

As more and more people choose cremation, questions about legally scattering ashes are on the rise, too.   Ash scattering has become an increasingly popular way to remember the departed. It p...

Four Important Things to Know About the Tax Issues When Losing a Spouse in Pennsylvania

The tax issues when losing a spouse in Pennsylvania are varied and complex. Losing a spouse or life partner is challenging on many levels. In addition to the deep emotional grief and personal loss...

Hobbies and Five Other Activities That Can Help Create a Healthier Brain

Can a healthier brain be as close as your chessboard? The experts say yes. As we age, the structure of the brain changes, which can adversely affect memory and cognition. It can be challenging to ...

Six Helpful Tips for Discussing Your Funeral Plans with Your Family

The most crucial conversations are often the hardest, and discussing your funeral plans with loved ones is a prime example. Talking about your funeral preferences with a spouse, parent, or child i...