Death of a Family Member

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Death of a Family Member
Check Employer-provided Benefits

Your loved one may have benefits coming from current and prior employers. Be sure to check with them for details.

Between vacation and sick pay, group life insurance, and other employer-provided benefits, you may have a substantial sum of money coming to you. First stop: the Human Resources departments of the companies involved.

Here's a list of potential death benefit payments.  Be sure to look into all that apply to your situation:

  • If your spouse was employed at the time of death , ask his or her employer about any survivors' benefits.
  • Your spouse may also be due a paycheck for vacation or sick leave.
  • If the employer provided life, health, or accident insurance, you may be entitled to receive payments under these policies.
  • If your spouse belonged to a union or professional organization, find out if this organization offers death benefits for members.
  • If the death was work-related, you may be entitled to worker's compensation benefits.
  • You should contact all past employers, including federal, state, or local governments, to determine whether you are entitled to any payments from a pension plan.
  • If your spouse was already retired and was receiving a pension, check with the employer to determine if you will continue to receive a pension payment, and in what amount. You should get professional guidance as to when and how to take any retirement plan distributions due your spouse or you.

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