Notifying Institutions and Planning Cremation Services

Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation • October 12, 2020

There is a lot to do after someone dies, from planning a cremation service to dealing with the loss. This list of who to notify after a death can help you stay organized.

cremation service in Rock Falls, IL

There is a long list one much accomplish after someone dies, from dealing with the loss to planning a cremation service in Rock Falls, IL. This to-do list also includes notifying organizations, people and businesses of the death, as credit cards, utilities, government programs and other institutions needs to know when someone passes away. 


Make sure you don’t miss any important institutions or people on this list of who to notify after a death: 


  • Credit Reporting Agencies – These agencies are usually notified of a death by the estate executor or the Social Security Administration. It’s important that credit reporting agencies are notified so they can put a lock on the deceased’s credit report file in order to prevent someone from using it fraudulently. 
  • Subscriptions – Don’t forget to cancel subscriptions like gym, magazines, clubs, online content, and others. This is especially true if the subscription payments are paid automatically every month as you don’t want the deceased’s bank account to be overdrawn. 
  • Insurance – Notify all the insurance companies with which the deceased had policies. Each company will have specific steps you will need to follow. 
  • Banks – Most banks will need a copy of the death certificate to close accounts. However, it takes a lot longer than you would think to close bank accounts after a death, so don’t rely on money from a closed account to pay for a funeral or cremation. 
  • Retirement Fund or Pension – Be ready with the deceased’s Social Security number, identification number, date of birth and date of death, along with a death certificate when you call to notify the fund. Don’t forget to ask if a surviving spouse is eligible for continued benefits. 
  • Social Security Administration – Luckily, Social Security will be notified automatically when you file the death certificate. 
  • Taxes – Death doesn’t mean the deceased doesn’t have to pay taxes for that year. A survivor will have to file the deceased’s taxes or will have to hire an accountant to do it for them. 
  • Medicare and Medicaid – Similar to the SSA, these organizations will be notified automatically. 
  • Loans and Credit Cards – The Credit Card Act of 2009 mandates that all credit card companies respond to final bill requests in a timely manner and prohibits them from charging late fees during the processing time. Pay back loans from the deceased’s estate. 
  • Utilities – Cancel or change the name on all utility accounts, depending on if the deceased lived alone or not. Call the electricity, gas, telephone, and internet providers to make the necessary account changes. You will need a death certificate as proof.
  • Employer – Contact the deceased’s employer to notify them of the death and to learn about any applicable death benefits, retirement funds, or life insurance. Have a copy of the death certificate ready when you call. 


Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to help however we can in your time of loss. We can offer more information on our Rock Falls, IL cremation services as more. 


Cremation services Fulton, IL
March 31, 2025
Aftercare provides essential support for healing after loss. Cremation services Fulton, IL offers resources and compassionate guidance to help families cope.
funeral homes Fulton, IL
March 31, 2025
Pre-planning a funeral ensures personal wishes are honored and eases the burden on loved ones. Funeral homes Fulton, IL provide compassionate guidance.
cremation services Amboy, IL
March 24, 2025
Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation supports grief resources and care. Learn how cremation services Amboy, IL can connect you with valuable support networks.
funeral homes Amboy, IL
March 17, 2025
Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation helps honor veterans with meaningful military honors. Discover how funeral homes Amboy, IL assist with respectful tributes.
cremation services Morrison, IL
March 10, 2025
Discover how Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation helps create personalized cremation jewelry as a lasting tribute. Explore with cremation services Morrison, IL.
funeral homes Morrison, IL
March 3, 2025
Explore how Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation helps create custom headstones that reflect legacies. Find personalized options at funeral homes Morrison, IL.
By Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation February 24, 2025
Guide to Veterans Benefits in Cremation Services Fulton, IL
By Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation February 17, 2025
Pre-Planning Funeral Service with Funeral Homes Fulton, IL
By Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation February 10, 2025
Memorial Jewelry Keepsakes with Cremation Services Amboy, IL
By Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation February 3, 2025
Announcements via Social Media with Funeral Homes Amboy, IL
More Posts